NIMASA floating dock set for installation, inches closer to operation

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said it has commenced preparations for the deployment of its N50 billion Modular Floating Dock.

The Agency disclosed on Tuesday that it moved the Floating Dock to a jetty at the Standard Flour Mills in Apapa in preparation of its movement to the scheduled operational base at the Continental Shipyard, Apapa.

Currently, the heavy 50-ton cylindrical spuds, crucial for anchoring the dock, are being prepared for installation, according to a statement by NIMASA’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, Edward Osagie.

Commenting on the development, NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, said this move is part of a deliberate and steady approach toward the operationalization of the floating dock.

He emphasized the importance of firmly installing the spuds before towing the dock to its operational location.

Jamoh expressed confidence that Nigeria will soon experience the positive impact of the floating dock, stating, “We are moving slowly but steadily to our destination. Today, we are lifting out the cylindrical studs to be prepared for piling at the Continental Shipyard where the Floating Dock is scheduled to commence operations. These spuds have to be firmly installed before we can tow the Floating Dock there. We assure stakeholders that very soon, Nigeria will save foreign earnings with the commencement of operations of our Dock.” Jamoh stated.

Recall that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) had last year leased designated areas at the Continental Shipyard for the operations of the Modular Floating Dock.

These include the Dolphin Jetty, waterfront of the jetty adjourning the slipway, an administrative block, a construction, welding and mechanical workshop and a civil maintenance workshop, among others.

According to NIMASA, the project will operate under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.