Clarion Shipping West Africa is aggressively marketing its newly launched container vessel, Ocean Dragon, to shippers, freight forwarders, and market associations as a solution to Nigeria’s logistics bottlenecks and a catalyst for boosting intra-African trade.
At the unveiling held at Villa Park Hotel, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, the company pitched the vessel as a strategic investment to deliver faster, cheaper, and more flexible cargo services across Nigerian ports and into regional markets.
Vice President of Clarion Shipping, Bernardine Eloka, said Ocean Dragon had already begun operations, moving containers between Calabar and Port Harcourt, with bookings coming in from Abuja, Calabar, and other trading hubs.
“One of our key objectives is to move Nigerian-made products to other African markets quickly and efficiently,” Eloka stated.
She explained that instead of leaving containers stranded at foreign ports for weeks, Ocean Dragon will deliver them within hours, giving Nigerian businesses a competitive edge.
Eloka further disclosed that Clarion has entered partnerships with leading global carriers — including AMC, PIL, and Maersk Line — to enable direct shipments from China to Nigeria beginning in October, eliminating costly transshipment delays.
Chief Chinedu Ukatu, President of the Igbo Market Association and chairman of the occasion, described the unveiling as an epoch-making development that will expand Nigeria’s shipping capacity and unlock new trade opportunities under platforms like AfCFTA.
“This is not just the launch of a ship; it is the launch of a new phase for Nigeria’s maritime economy. With its increased capacity and eco-friendly design, Ocean Dragon positions Nigerian traders to reach more markets sustainably and efficiently,” Ukatu said.
Clarion’s Regional Manager, Solomon Ogudu, traced the launch to over a decade of investment that transformed the firm from a freight forwarding business into a full-fledged shipping and terminal operator.
He highlighted incentives such as; container deposit waivers, 21 days of free storage, competitive terminal charges, and 24-hour inland clearance.
“Our service model is built around shippers’ needs — cutting costs, improving turnaround, and offering delivery at preferred locations,” Ogudu said.
Industry veteran and NAGAFF founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, urged Nigerian traders to patronize Clarion to strengthen local capacity and reduce dependence on foreign lines. “The forex advantage alone is enough reason for Nigerian shippers to support this indigenous solution,” he said.
The unveiling drew market leaders, shipping agents, and stakeholders nationwide, underscoring strong interest in the initiative. With Ocean Dragon now operational, Clarion Shipping is positioning itself as a key driver of regional trade efficiency and Nigeria’s emergence as a stronger maritime player.
