IN bid to ensure that indigenous shipping firms get contracts to lift crude and refined petroleum products  Nigerian Chambers of Shipping (NCS) has partnered the American Bureau of Shipping to make Nigerian owned get proper classification.

Speaking at the just concluded workshop on classification , President of the Nigerian Cmber Shipping Mrs Ify Akerele said that most Nigerian owned vessels are not in class.

Akerele stated if Nigerians must be part of the up nd down stream sectors of the Oil and gas industry, their vessels must be in proper shape including undergoing a classification process.

She explained that with the local content Act in place, there is a need to prepare Nigerians to take advantage of the law and benefit from available businesses.

She noted that the International Oil Companies give all sorts of excuses to exclude Nigerians from the Oil and Gas classification of vessels is one area Nigerians have had a shortfall.

She disclosed that NCS has been given the mandate to ensure that 60% Nigerian participation is achieved soonest.

Her words “Our responsibility is now to educate everybody in the industry, the Capital oil Sahara Energy and  people that have direct bearing with oil and gas industry.

“They have to understand that they cannot operate vessels that are not in class  and direct Nigerian to world class classification society, so it is our mandate and responsibility to ensure that people realise that things be done in accordance with international best practices.

“We are working the American Bureau of Shipping, next it could be Lloyds because we are trying to sanitize the industry to create room for serious minded businessmen and women in the maritime sub-sector”.

She disclosed that  most Nigerians operating in the Oil and gas industry are into bare boat charter  adding that the Chambers is encouraging them to form consortiums with a view to bidding for these contracts as a group.

Speaking in similar vein a Council member of the Chamber, Olorogun Otega Emerhuo noted that most ship owners come with fake classifications to get insurance papers for their vessels.