NIMASA commits to activating N50billion Floating Dockyard

By Abiodun OBA

Following the total determination and commitment of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA to activate its N50billion Floating Dockyard, all hands are on deck at Melsmore Marine Nigeria Limited to move the Modular Floating Dock from the Naval Dockyard to the waterfront of the Dolphine Jetty.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, OFR, had emphasised the need for MMNL to review the action plan in the light of realities on ground with detailed deliverables, and key performance indicators with clearly stated timelines.

“Nigerians eagerly await the deployment of the Modular Floating Dock. This is a national asset, which has potentials to boost maritime trade, create jobs, develop skills, by providing training avenues to various maritime training institutions in Nigeria, while also attracting foreign investment and preventing capital flight, thereby generating revenue. We hope to have students from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria and the Maritime University Okerenkoko amongst other maritime institutions come for practical time,” the DG said.

Melsmore Marine Nigeria Limited, MMNL, a Nigerian registered company, is responsible for the relocation of the Modular Floating Dock of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, from the Naval Dockyard to the waterfront of the Dolphine Jetty at the NPA Dockyard which used to be the Continental Shipyard.

Mr Danny Fuchs during the week, noted that they are committed to executing their project of relocating the Modular Floating Dock.

“Our job is to move the Modular Floating Dock from the present location to the waterfront of the Dolphine Jetty, Apapa. THE SEA LION which occupied the leased area at the waterfront have vacated the jetty now. We have a commercial understanding with NIMASA on how to execute this project.

We have submitted a feasibility study taking note of the Mooring system required to anchor the Modular Floating Dock at the Dolphine Jetty. The Mooring System supplied by the Manufacturers of the Modular Floating Dock is made up of two steel piles of 36 meters Length, 2 meters in Diameter and a weight of roughly 48 Tonnes each.

These massive piles need to be driven about 20 meters into the Seabed. We will bring our expertise to bear in carrying out this project. We also hope to invite the manufacturers, Damen Shipyard to join forces in achieving this relocation project. We will work with Damen Shipyard to ensure the Modular Floating Dock is Seaworthy before the relocation. This is to Commission the Modular Floating Dock before relocation,” he said.