The Clarion MV Ocean Dragon, Nigeria’s first fully indigenous container vessel, has berthed at Tin Can Island Port, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s maritime industry. Acquired by Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited and flying the Panamanian flag, the vessel was built in 2014 and has a capacity of 349 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
It is expected to revolutionize short-sea shipping by providing a cost-effective and efficient alternative to road haulage across Nigeria and the broader West African trade corridor, thus enhancing trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Clarion MV Ocean Dragon
The vessel is scheduled to serve various ports in Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Egypt, and South Africa. During the unveiling in Lagos, Clarion’s Vice President, Bernadine Eloka, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition, citing its potential to reduce the risks and inefficiencies of road-based cargo transport. She highlighted that Ocean Dragon will support the enforcement of Nigeria’s Cabotage Law, which reserves coastal shipping for Nigerian-owned vessels, thus fostering local investment and job creation.
Clarion Suncity Terminal Logistics’ Managing Director, Mustafa Mohammed, revealed that the company has already secured bookings for 1,300 export containers and is assisting exporters in avoiding delays and losses. He added that a second vessel with a 1,780-TEU capacity will soon join the fleet to further expand services along the West African coastline. Clarion aims to challenge global shipping giants by offering tailored solutions for Nigeria’s underserved markets.
Clarion Group’s Managing Director, Adaeze Vanessa Eloka, recounted the vessel’s 60-day journey from China, noting the technical and logistical challenges overcome during its voyage. She proudly stated that 70% of Ocean Dragon’s crew are Nigerian seafarers, marking a deliberate move to promote local maritime talent and capacity.