Marine salvors have commenced the deconstruction of an MSC boxship that grounded off eastern Canada in February 2025. Harsh Atlantic weather continues to plague the grueling salvage of the 2,478-teu MSC Baltic III (built 2003) at Cedar Cove, Newfoundland, according to updates on Monday, June 29. “The contractor has now entered the deconstruction phase of the MSC Baltic III wreck removal operation and there is a significant increase in the work and presence on site,” the Canadian Coast Guard said. Crews are constructing a new access road to the beach…
Category: Maritime
₦12.3B Bust: NDLEA Nabs China-Bound Businesswoman, Seizes 558K Tramadol Pills
In another major breakthrough, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 38-year-old businesswoman, Iwebema Ogechi Peace, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos. In a Sunday statement, NDLEA’s media chief, Femi Babafemi, revealed that agents intercepted a China-bound traveler before she could board a Qatar Airways flight to Beijing. A search of her luggage uncovered a massive consignment of cocaine hidden inside a professionally built false bottom. Acting on credible intelligence, security agents arrested 38-year-old trader Iwebema Ogechi Peace at the Lagos…
Dr. Ambi Hands Baton To Saka, Urges New Shippers’ Council Complaints Chief To ‘Add Value’
By: Yahaya Abdullahi Wachiko “ This is an iconic exit ,” Colleagues declare as retiring Complaints Chief bows out. In a milestone transition at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the outgoing Head of the Complaints Unit, Dr. Ambi, has officially handed over the mantle of leadership to his successor, Dr. (Mrs.) Obiageli Juliana Saka. The brief yet emotional handover ceremony took place on Friday, June 26, 2026, marking the end of Dr. Ambi’s meritorious service as he enters retirement. A Legacy of Fiscal Impact Reflecting on his tenure, which…
Maritime Boost: Port of Antwerp-Bruges to Revamp Burutu Port as Shippers’ Council Backs Sealink Project
In a move set to reshape regional trade, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has pledged total regulatory and institutional support to ensure the success of the Sealink Project. Describing the initiative as a game-changer, the NSC highlighted its power to revolutionize Nigeria’s maritime and coastal shipping landscape. At the Council’s Lagos headquarters on Friday, June 26, NSC Chief Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D finalized the partnership during a high-profile meeting with a NEXIM Bank delegation supported by the European Union and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Led by Mr.…
US Launches Retaliatory Strikes on Iran Following Cargo Ship Attack
Tensions flare in the Middle East as the US military strikes Iranian targets following a cargo ship attack in the Strait of Hormuz. According to a Saturday report by BBC News, President Donald Trump ordered the retaliation after branding the maritime assault a “foolish violation” of the truce. According to the reports, US Central Command confirmed Friday’s strikes targeted missile and drone storage facilities, as well as coastal radar positions. It said the strikes were in response for a drone attack on a cargo ship on Thursday, an incident which…
Building Tomorrow: Akutah Outlines Vision for NSC Leadership and Capacity at Staff Retreat
In line with its commitment to institutional excellence, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has kicked off a 4-day operational retreat tailored for mid-level management (Grade Level 12–14). The intensive program focuses on three core pillars: strengthening leadership, refining performance management, and driving rapid strategic reform. At the opening ceremony hosted at Conference Hotels, Abeokuta, Nigerian Shippers’ Council Executive Secretary/CEO Pius Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D championed the event as a core milestone for the organization.He outlined three definitive areas of impact: Leadership Development: Equipping mid-level management with higher…
Tears and Tributes as Maritime Industry Honors Complaints Chief Dr. Bashir Ambi After 26 Years
It was an emotional gathering of industry heavyweights at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) headquarters on Tuesday, June 23, in Apapa, Lagos, as shipping and maritime titans, stakeholders, and colleagues converged to honor the outgoing Head of the Complaints Unit, Dr. Bashir Ambi, who officially retires from service this week after a stellar 26-year year of career marked by professionalism, integrity, commitment to excellence and outstanding service to the maritime sector. The valedictory event, filled with tears and glowing tributes, celebrated Dr. Ambi’s legendary dedication to resolving commercial port disputes.…
Expert Urges Nigeria to Adopt Open Ship Registry to Expand Fleets, Boost Economy
To boost revenue and expand Nigeria’s vessel fleet, maritime expert Captain Anthony Onoharigho has called on the Federal Government to adopt an open ship registry. Captain Onoharigho—former Deputy Registrar of the Liberian Maritime Authority—stated that the policy would drive job growth and boost the nation’s international maritime prestige. During a recent media brief in Lagos, he lauded the collaborative talks between NIMASA and the Malta Ship Registry held on the sidelines of Posidonia 2026 in Athens. The meeting centered on strategic partnerships to modernize Nigeria’s ship registry. According to the…
Dismissed as a ‘Fairy Tale’: MSC Taking a Stake in Hapag-Lloyd
Dismissed as a ‘Fairy Tale’: MSC Taking a Stake in Hapag-Lloyd↗ Shipping giants MSC, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd have swiftly shot down rumours regarding a potential equity deal. Contrary to initial reports suggesting that MSC was looking to acquire a stake in the German carrier Hapag-Lloyd, all parties have dismissed the claims as “pure speculation.” According to a report by Investing.com, both Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd declined to comment deeply on the market rumours, while MSC issued a direct denial of the market talk. MSC firmly denied reports that its owner was…
Nigeria Slams Cartels With $6M Fine, Convicts 11 Sailors as Marwa Issues Stern Warning
In another major victory for Nigeria’s anti-narcotics campaign, a Federal High Court in Lagos has on Thursday, June 11, convicted 11 Indian sailors and their merchant vessel, MV Aruna Hulya, over a 31.5-kilogram cocaine shipment. The swift conviction comes barely six months after operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted the illicit cargo at the Apapa Seaport. The vessel and its crew, who smuggled the drugs into Nigeria from the Marshall Islands, were slapped with a staggering $6 million fine. NDLEA Spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the development…