The Africa Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme has completed its fourth training module, exposing participants to marine engine systems through self-paced learning, expert sessions and practical onboard training.
The module, held in August 2026, focused on introducing mentees to marine engineering and engine systems as part of efforts to strengthen technical capacity in ferry safety and operations.
The initiative is supported by Interferry, FerrySafe, the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, the Lagos State Government and Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, while the Director of Conferences and Finance at Interferry, Shari Corrigan serves as Executive Sponsor.
The first two weeks featured self-paced learning facilitated by Engr. Jeremiah Akwemioh, a Nigerian Navy veteran with experience in marine engineering and engine systems.
This was followed by a virtual “Ask the Expert” session in the third week with Interferry mentors Joep Bollerman, Vice President of Passenger Ships and Director of the Cruise Ship Center of Expertise at Lloyd’s Register, and Francesco Ruisi, Global Passenger Ship Segment Director at Lloyd’s Register.
The final week featured a practical onboard session aboard the MV ONONEZE, an American Bureau of Shipping-classed vessel owned by Fymak Marine & Oil Services Nig. Ltd.
During the session, mentees examined the vessel’s engine operations and auxiliary systems, including generators, purifiers, sewage treatment plants, air compressors and piping systems.
The MV ONONEZE is fitted with four Cummins main engines and four propellers, as well as a bow thruster, with a combined output of 5,368 kilowatts, equivalent to 7,200 brake horsepower.
The practical session was supported by members of the vessel’s crew, including Captain Aniekan Udo, Chief Officer Abiodun Erewa, Chief Engineer Emmanuel Ezekudo and Engr. Paul Etarijakpere, who provided operational insights during the training.
The programme also acknowledged the contributions of Akwemioh, Bollerman and Ruisi to the delivery of the module.
It is expected to proceed to its fifth module, Safety Management Systems, in September 2026 with Chief Executive Officer of Interferry, Mike Corrigan announced to lead it.