Ship Vetting Services in Nigeria – Cargoburg Logistics Limited
Cargoburg Logistics Limited is a trusted name in Nigeria’s maritime sector, offering professional ship vetting services tailored to ensure vessel safety, compliance, and performance. As a leading freight forwarding and marine logistics company, Cargoburg provides expert ship vetting solutions to oil majors, charterers, terminal operators, and marine insurers who demand the highest standards in marine operations.
Ship vetting is a critical risk management process in marine logistics, especially in regions like Nigeria where maritime operations are central to the oil, gas, and shipping industries. At Cargoburg Logistics, we help you mitigate risks, meet international compliance requirements, and safeguard your cargo and crew by thoroughly inspecting and verifying the safety and operational integrity of vessels.
Whether you’re planning to charter a vessel, load at a Nigerian terminal, or approve a ship for port entry, our ship vetting experts are here to deliver accurate assessments that protect your business and uphold industry standards.
What is Ship Vetting?
Ship vetting is a comprehensive evaluation of a vessel’s condition, operational procedures, regulatory compliance, safety performance, and crew competence. Unlike standard marine inspections that check for statutory certification, vetting dives deeper, assessing whether a vessel is suitable for specific chartering or cargo operations.
Ship vetting is especially important in Nigeria’s high-stakes industries such as:
Cargoburg Logistics performs vetting in line with internationally accepted frameworks such as:
OCIMF’s Ship Inspection Report Programme (SIRE)
RightShip standards
ISGOTT (International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals)
TMSA (Tanker Management and Self-Assessment)
Our Ship Vetting Services in Nigeria
Cargoburg Logistics offers comprehensive ship vetting services throughout all Nigerian ports and offshore terminals. Whether you need pre-hire assessments, terminal entry approval, or third-party audits, our vetting process is designed to deliver accurate, timely, and actionable insights.
1. Pre-Charter Vetting Assessments
Before chartering a vessel, it is essential to assess its suitability for the cargo, route, and operational expectations. We evaluate vessels to help you avoid delays, liabilities, or operational hazards.
Our assessments include:
Vessel compliance with IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL, and flag state regulations
Condition and maintenance of hull, machinery, and cargo equipment
Review of vetting history and past incident reports
Analysis of crew competence and certifications
Compatibility with port or terminal requirements
2. Terminal Entry Vetting
For a vessel to be accepted at oil terminals and jetties across Nigeria, it must pass terminal vetting. We liaise with terminal operators, oil majors, and government agencies to ensure your vessel meets all entry protocols.
Our terminal vetting support covers:
Pre-arrival vetting based on terminal safety requirements
Coordination with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and NIMASA
Mooring, firefighting, and pollution control checks
Cargo transfer system reviews
Compatibility with terminal’s loading or discharging systems
3. Onboard Ship Inspections
We deploy experienced marine inspectors onboard vessels at Nigerian ports or anchorage points to conduct physical inspections. These inspections provide an unbiased assessment of the vessel’s seaworthiness and compliance.
We inspect:
Navigational equipment and bridge procedures
Engine room and cargo system condition
Safety systems and lifesaving appliances
Structural integrity and maintenance records
Drills, safety meetings, and crew performance
4. SIRE Inspection Preparation
Cargoburg Logistics helps vessel operators and shipowners prepare for OCIMF’s SIRE inspections, ensuring compliance with oil major vetting expectations.
Our SIRE prep services include:
Gap analysis against SIRE checklist
Crew training and interview readiness
Review of safety management systems (SMS)
Support in documentation and inspection coordination
Post-inspection report analysis and rectification guidance
5. TMSA Audits and Implementation Support
For tanker operators, compliance with OCIMF’s TMSA framework is essential for acceptance by oil companies. We assist shipowners with TMSA self-assessments and third-party audits to identify improvement areas and strengthen safety culture.
We provide:
Gap analysis and improvement plans
Training on TMSA elements
KPI development and performance benchmarking
Document control and procedural reviews
6. Post-Incident Vetting Support
In case of marine incidents (e.g., oil spills, collisions, detentions), we conduct vetting and forensic reviews to help you identify root causes and improve safety systems.
Our post-incident vetting includes:
Incident timeline analysis
Vessel and crew performance evaluation
Corrective action plans and regulatory reporting
Liaison with flag states, classification societies, and insurers
Areas We Cover
Cargoburg Logistics offers ship vetting services across all major Nigerian port cities and offshore terminals, including:
Lagos (Apapa, Tin Can Island)
Port Harcourt (Onne, Ogu, Bonny)
Warri
Calabar
Brass
Escravos
Qua Iboe
Offshore FPSOs and STS zones
Our port-based teams ensure quick turnaround times and responsive service, reducing vessel downtime and port charges.
