Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited, a wholly Nigerian-owned shipping line, has launched a direct shipping service from China to Nigeria, offering significant incentives to woo shippers and freight agents.
Speaking at the unveiling of the company’s vessel, MV Ocean Dragon, which attracted freight agents in Lagos on Wednesday, Clarion Shipping’s Vice President, Bernardine Eloka, said the
company is offering a $500 freight reduction for every 40-foot container and a $300 reduction for every 20-foot container.
She said the direct service, which connects major Chinese ports like Qingdao, Yiwu, Nansha, and Shanghai directly to Lagos, is designed to eliminate costly transshipment delays and position Nigeria as a key hub for West African commerce.
“This milestone marks a new era of independence and competitiveness for Nigerian trade, empowering local importers and exporters with world-class logistics solutions operated by a wholly Nigerian-owned shipping line,” she said.
Highlighting the company’s commitment to making Nigerian cargo more affordable and globally competitive, Eloka announced that the shipping line will also implement a zero-container-deposit policy, freeing up capital for importers.
She listed other benefits to include,
“Lower Clearing Costs: Streamlined processes and indigenous ownership cut down on excessive clearing fees
21 Days Free Container Demurrage: Generous free periods remove the financial burden of demurrage.
“Simplified Documentation: Ease of grant of demurrage waivers and swift intervention in cargo release where discrepancies are noticed.
“Attractive Terminal & Handling Charges: Competitive tariffs at Clarion’s bonded terminals and partner facilities.
‘Support for Local Industry: Patronage strengthens Nigeria’s indigenous maritime sector, creating jobs and reinforcing national capacity.
‘Collaboration on Missed Cut-Off Dates: If a cut-off date is missed, Clarion coordinates shipment with next available lines to avoid delays. ”
Eloka called on all Nigerian importers, exporters, and stakeholders to support this indigenous initiative.
She stated that Clarion Shipping’s achievement is not just a victory for one company but a bold step forward for Nigeria’s maritime industry, inviting trade associations and government stakeholders to route their cargo through the new service to help build a resilient, cost-effective, and proudly Nigerian shipping industry.
In his remarks, Founder, National Association of Government Approved Freght Forwarders ( NAGAFF) Dr. Boniface Aniebonam called on agents to convince their importers to patronize the new service.
Aniebonam praised Eloka’s initiative as a bold step, acknowledging the challenging environment for vessel acquisition, which he described as a “mafia business.”
He warned that there would be attempts to frustrate Clarion Shipping’s operations but encouraged the company’s management to stand firm.
On his part, the President General of the Association of Igbo Maritime Practitioners in Nigeria (ASIMPIN), HRM Eze Damian Obianigwe, prayed for the new shipping line’s growth, stating that more vessels are needed to boost indigenous shipping development in the nation’s seaports.
Chairman of Association of Africa Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria, (APFFLON) Tin Can Island Chapter, Jibril Usman, expressed satisfaction with the new service and called on Clarion Shipping to honor its promises regarding the grace period and container deposits.
A chieftain of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Chief Uba Lawrence, said Clarion Shipping would “wipe away tears” from practitioners and shippers.
He added that foreign shipping lines have taken advantage of Nigerians due to the lack of indigenous options.
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