Norfin Offshore, indigenous ship-building coy, to complete 15- metre crew vessel
Oredola Adeola
The maritime sector has received a boost with the near completion of a 15 metre crew vessel constructed by Norfin Offshore Shipyard Ltd, in Akwa Ibom State billed to be commissioned at a later date.
The shipyard sited at Ikot Ukpong in Oruk Anam, has a workforce of 85 people, with an expansion target of 3000 people in the next three years.
This development is coming months after the company successfully launched its first locally-produced nine meter fast security escort vessel tagged: ‘MV Norfin Swift’.
EnergyDay gathered that the difference between the new vessel and the earlier one, is that the former is a Fast Security Escort Vessel, while the new one has the capacity to ferry 50 passengers.
The first and second vessels after launch are expected to be put up as charter and direct purchase, it will also be deplored in oil and gas -related services.
The ship manufacturing and marine services company is owned by Engr. Charles Udonwa, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State whose company has been active in Singapore producing and providing shipping services to several countries, including Nigeria.
Speaking on the new shipping yard, the Etinan- born industrialist said his motivation was to create jobs, develop talents and skills as well as contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s economy.
According to him , factory is still expanding, and is expected to churn out made in Nigeria sea vessels for Nigeria’s maritime sector and offshore operations, in addition to pleasure rides.
Udonwa said, “currently, we have over 85 people earning salaries in this place. Nigeria has to establish itself as a ship building country, and that’s what we are doing here.
“So far we’ve sunk $2 Million on the ground, sand- filling and stone- filling this place. Before we finish here, about 20 million dollars will have been spent developing this place.
He stated that the stretch of road, Ikot Abasi – Port Harcourt Expressway is within the recently approved 50,000 hectares Liberty Free Trade Zone in the state.
