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At 60, Mrs. Rollens Macfoy’s journey stands as a powerful testament to ambition, resilience, and devotion to maritime excellence.
With over 22 years in shipping administration, she commands respect as the President of Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA) Nigerian Chapter and also as Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Deep Maritime Services Limited – a leading manning and crewing firm based in Lagos.
Under her leadership, Ocean Deep has championed seafarers’ welfare by recognising and rewarding exemplary crew members whilst promoting policies rooted in dignity and professionalism .
Macfoy is the first female owner of a maritime academy in Nigeria, but it wasn’t always a smooth ride as she painstakingly enrolled at several institutions including Lloyd’s Maritime Academy in Dubai where she obtained UK certification in maritime law and “train the trainer” accreditation to qualify as an educator.
After establishing Ocean Deep Maritime Academy in 2009, she guided the company into a strategic partnership with Marlins Maritime Academy in Scotland to bring accredited training programmes to West Africa.
As President of WIMA‑Nigeria since 2021, Macfoy has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in a sector that remains male‑dominated. She continues to challenge systemic discrimination and leads advocacy for female empowerment.
Macfoy, as part of activities to mark the International Day of Seafarers in June 2025, lavishly celebrated Nigerian seafarers and rewarded long-serving officials.
Her ever-increasing influence in the maritime sector recently led to her appointment into the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) Research, Development, Consultancy & Training Committee.
Vital Lessons for Young Maritime Professionals
Pursue Strategic Education:
Macfoy deliberately filled gaps in her knowledge from security to labour relations through UK and Nigerian training, demonstrating that career growth often requires targeted upskilling.
Advocate Beyond the Workplace:
Her leadership of WIMA‑Nigeria shows the power of collective action – organising women, lobbying regulators, and promoting inclusive policymaking to transform the maritime environment.
Lead by Empowering Others:
By accepting cadets who lacked funds and ensuring their placement onboard vessels, Macfoy showed how mentorship and courage can reshape opportunities for the next generation.
On this milestone birthday, Mrs. Rollens Macfoy’s legacy illustrates that excellence in maritime extends beyond contracts and certificates; it is about transforming lives, challenging bias, and raising standards for all.
Young professionals looking to make their mark in shipping or port logistics would do well to emulate her blend of professionalism, compassion, and pioneering spirit.
