Lloyd’s Register and NSML sign MoU to boost maritime skills and training in West Africa
The partnership reflects a shared ambition to provide high-quality training opportunities for seafarers and maritime professionals across Africa.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) to expand access to maritime training and advisory services across West Africa.
The agreement, announced at Gastech 2025, brings together NSML’s strong local presence and training infrastructure, including its Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCoE) in Bonny, with LR’s global technical leadership and advisory capabilities.
Together, the two organisations will develop and promote training programmes designed to provide specialised training and consultancy services to strengthen maritime competence, ensure regulatory compliance and enhance operational efficiency.
Through the MoU, courses jointly developed and delivered in West Africa will carry both the LR and NSML logos, a mark of assurance for industry stakeholders. Training will cover priority areas including class and statutory training, ship type-specific instruction, ISM Code and management systems, port management, business improvement, environmental management, and health and safety programmes.
Ngozi Gwam, Business Director and Senior Representative for Africa, LR, said: “Today’s MoU with NSML is more than a collaboration — it is a strategic alignment of strengths. It reflects our commitment to working with trusted partners to deliver solutions that are globally benchmarked yet locally relevant. Seafarers are at the heart of shipping’s transition, and through this partnership we will equip them with the skills to operate safely, sustainably, and in compliance with evolving regulatory and environmental requirements.
“With NSML’s Maritime Centre of Excellence and LR’s international expertise, we are building a platform for capacity development that meets today’s needs and prepares for tomorrow’s opportunities. This collaboration advances the objectives of the MoU, from training and advisory services to governance, safety, and innovation, while delivering impact not just for Nigeria and West Africa, but for Africa’s maritime industry and the shipping industry as a whole.”
Abdulkadir Ahmed, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSML, said: “This event speaks directly to the purpose of NSML of providing world-class integrated shipping and maritime services while fostering international maritime skills and standards in Nigeria. Our vision is to be a recognised international leader in integrated shipping and maritime services, providing innovative and sustainable maritime solutions. West Africa plays a pivotal role in global LNG exports, and the competence of our maritime professionals is key to sustaining that position. By partnering with Lloyd’s Register, we can build capacity that supports not just West Africa but the wider African maritime industry.”
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 marine and offshore industries, helping our clients design, construct and operate their assets to accepted levels of safety and environmental compliance.
Our digital solutions are relied upon by more than 30,000 vessels, following the acquisition of OneOcean in 2022 and Ocean Technologies Group in 2024.
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
