Lloyd’s Register and NSML launch plans for global maritime forum in Nigeria
Lloyd’s Register and NSML launch plans for global maritime forum in Nigeria
New industry-led platform will bring together international shipping, energy, infrastructure and finance leaders, positioning Nigeria as a hub for maritime dialogue and development in Africa.
Lloyd’s Register (LR), and NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) have announced plans to establish a new global maritime forum in Nigeria, creating a new platform for industry leaders to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of shipping, energy, infrastructure and investment.
Announced as part of the partners’ ongoing commitment to supporting Africa’s maritime development, the NSML-LR Maritime Future Forum will bring together organisations from across the maritime value chain, including shipowners, operators, regulators, energy companies, investors, insurers, ports and technology providers.
Discussions will focus on how shipping, energy, infrastructure, technology, people and investment can work together to unlock economic growth, strengthen supply chains and support sustainable development across Africa and beyond.
The initiative builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed by LR and NSML at Gastech 2025 to strengthen maritime skills, training and capability development in West Africa. The proposed forum represents the next phase of that collaboration, expanding its focus to create a long-term platform for strategic dialogue, knowledge sharing and industry leadership.
The launch comes as Africa’s maritime sector enters a period of significant transformation. Growing investment in LNG, offshore energy, ports, shipping and logistics is increasing the importance of maritime infrastructure, workforce development and cross-sector collaboration. At the same time, digitalisation, decarbonisation and evolving trade patterns are reshaping the demands placed on the industry.
Against this backdrop, the forum aims to position Nigeria as a convening point for global maritime expertise and discussion. This reflects the partners’ ambition to demonstrate that Nigeria can be at the forefront of maritime innovation and leadership, both within Africa and internationally.
Ngozi Gwam, Business Director and Senior Representative for Africa, LR, said: “Africa’s maritime future will be defined by how effectively we connect people, infrastructure, technology, energy and investment. The Maritime Future Forum has been created by industry, for industry. Our ambition is to establish a platform that brings together stakeholders from across the value chain to explore practical solutions, exchange expertise and support sustainable growth across the maritime sector.”
An NSML spokesperson said: “NSML has consistently been at the forefront of shaping discourse in the Nigerian maritime industry. The NSML-LR Maritime Forum, therefore, serves as a strategic platform for maritime stakeholders to engage on pressing industry issues, share insights, and collaboratively develop solutions that advance the growth, competitiveness and sustainability of the sector.”
About Lloyd’s Register
Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine engineering, technology and digital solutions. We were created more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society to improve and set standards for the safety of ships.
Today we are a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the defence, energy, marine and offshore industries, helping our clients design, construct and operate their assets to accepted levels of safety and environmental compliance.
We also provide advisory services and digital solutions, supporting fleet and voyage performance and optimisation. Through OneOcean, LR delivers integrated digital solutions supporting voyage planning, optimisation, compliance, training and fleet performance across more than 30,000 vessels globally.
In the race to zero emissions, our research, advisory and technical expertise and industry-firsts are supporting a safe, sustainable maritime energy transition.
Lloyd’s Register Group is wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a politically and financially independent global charity that promotes safety and education.
www.lr.org
About NSML
NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), a subsidiary of NLNG, is a leading integrated maritime services company offering top-tier maritime solutions while supporting the growth and development of the Nigerian maritime industry.
NSML provides a broad range of maritime services including, vessel and technical management, crew management and administration, maritime training, research and project management, terminal management and business advisory services; in line with its strategic pillars of safety, reliability and value creation.
