By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Nigerian Maritime and Safety Administration, NIMASA, says it has commenced preparations for the deployment of its N50billion Modular Floating Dock.
NIMASA took delivery of the modular refinery in 2018 with the aim of ensuring that ships of various sizes calling at Nigerian ports repair their vessels in the country so as to stem capital flights arising from dry docking vessels outside the country.
A statement signed by the Assistant Director, Public Relations of NIMASA, Osagie Edward, on its verified X handle on Tuesday, expressed optimism that Nigeria will save foreign earnings when the dock commences operations.
The statement read in part: “The Agency today 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.
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“The heavy 50-ton cylindrical spuds, which are for anchoring the dock, are being prepared for installation.
“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.”
“The areas 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.”
It added that the project will be run on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
