Abstract

ONYEMECHI, Chinedum. Benefit maximizing criteria from the Nigerian Coastal and Inland Shipping Cabotage Policy. RGCI [online]. 2015, vol.15, n.3, pp.409-416. ISSN 1646-8872.  https://doi.org/10.5894/rgci559.

This paper reviews government policies of developing maritime nations affecting investments in ship sizes operating in lakes, rivers canals, Inland waters and coastal waters of these maritime states. The Nigerian cabotage policy was specially reviewed in this work, picking out loopholes and areas of possible co-operation with ship investment organizations from the developed maritime nations. Opportunities in the West African nation’s transportation network were identified from a careful study of the nation’s internal water network, rich mineral deposits, oil and gas reservoirs, emerging coastal cities and hinterland commercial nerve centre. Strategic investment options for the global investor shipping firms with other African countries which use the cabotage were identified in the cabotage policy framework. Applied analytical models include benefit/cost analysis, real - options investment analysis, SWOT analysis welfare analysis of MARPOL compliant river crafts. Vessel types for which analysis were carried out include passenger vessels, bunkering vessels, fishing trawlers, barges, tugs dredgers, tankers (coast wise) marine mining vessels, waste disposal vessels, carriers (short sea non cargo vessels), and lighters.Identified strategic management options include the merger option, strategic alliances, joint venture strategies. The experience of the foreign ship operator in the region was identified as a major advantage in the globalization of the river, and coastal size vessel operating companies. The implications of their participation in the Nigerian cabotage policy were also highlighted. Emerging areas in the cabotage rule in world affairs were also identified.

Keywords : Exclusive Economic Zone; Cargo Protection; SWOT Analysis; Joint Ventures; Offshore Support Vessels.

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