Governor Umo Eno’s promise to develop and expand marine transportation for the benefit of the people of Akwa Ibom State, has recorded a remarkable progress with the near completion of the 64-seat passenger and cargo ferry being constructed by the Nigerian Navy at the Naval Shipyard in Port Harcourt.
The State Delivery Adviser on the project, Hon. Orman Esin accompanied by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien (Rtd), the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, in an unscheduled visit to the shipyard in Port Harcourt, said he was happy with the assurances from the Nigerian Navy that the project awarded by Governor Eno, which was at 80 percent completion will be ready in June.
Other members of the delegation included the Special Assistant to the Governor on Multimedia Management, Engr. Solomon Eyo, and the Director of Marine Services in the State Ministry of Transport, Mr Ekerete Edo.
The visit was part of a coordinated technical and administrative oversight aimed at ensuring timely delivery and operational readiness of the vessel in line with Governor Eno’s promise to reinstate marine transportation and boost the blue economy of the State.
Conducting the team round during the inspection, the Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard, Rear Admiral Ikenna Ubani confirmed that necessary funding support has been secured to fast-track completion, expressing confidence that the ferry will be ready for a test run in June.
He said all the major installations on the vessel have been fixed and only minor finishing touches are currently being carried out.
He noted that before the end of June, the vessel will undergo final checks before sailing down to Akwa Ibom state.
Technical briefings at the shipyard indicated significant progress on key components of the ferry.
These include the installation of zinc anodes, reinforcement of the car deck to accommodate vehicular load, as well as correction of structural weldings.
Ongoing works such as the construction of the loading ramp, the bridge control console, electrical wiring, navigation and communication systems, installation of solar installations, as well as plumbing and ventilation installations are all progressing in line with projected timelines.
The team also reviewed integration plans between the ferry and the Oron jetty infrastructure under development in the state, to ensure seamless operational deployment upon delivery.
Beyond infrastructure, the visit highlighted the project’s human capacity components, with trained personnel already being prepared to manage operations.
One of the twenty beneficiaries of the state’s marine training initiative, Aniebiet Brendan, an indigene of Ekpene Ukpa in Etinan LGA, emphasised the transparent process that saw him and 19 others employed by the Government to be trained in Port Harcourt.
Mr Brendan said he was invited for an interview along with 200 others who had applied for the opportunity through the state’s Arise Portal, and thanked Governor Umo Eno for the opportunity to live his dream as a marine engineer.
The ferry, expected to operate from the Oron Marine Terminal, represents a strategic investment in maritime transport, boosting economic and tourism activities, and strengthening the coastal transport ecosystem in Akwa Ibom State.
The ferry beyond carrying a maximum of 64 passengers, can also ferry 7 cars.
A second ferry, constructed at the instance of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, by Hydro Marine Boat Services Limited in LagoMarine Boat Services, is to be completed soon for use in the Oron Marine Terminal.
