Effective digital communication will lower cost of shipping – DG NIMASA

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA Dr Bashir Jamoh, has said that only effective digitalized communications can lower the operational cost of shipping globally.

Jamoh made the statement while speaking at the launch of Denmark’s first commercial satellite, Sternula-1, in Aalborg, Denmark

He posited that only international collaboration among maritime nations can lead to the attainment of standardized digitalization, noting that it is essential for Maritime Administrations across the world.

He encouraged all stakeholders in the maritime sector to effectively communicate in line with provisions of the International Maritime Organization IMO, and the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities, IALA.

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In a statement by Osagie Edward, Assistant Director, Public Relations of NINASA, he noted that NIMASA is participating in the testing stage of an international satellite system that would improve communication channels for vessels at sea as part of the current Management’s quest to ensure adoption of global best practices in the Nigerian maritime sector.

According to Jamoh, “Ultimately, seaborne transport depends on a secure and trustworthy flow of information. In this new reality, access to quality data is essential for ship managers to make decisions, act on market opportunities, and meet new requirements.

“A well digitalised system leads to a faster access to information, improved customer experience, increased productivity, lower operational costs, improved decision making, improved information security, higher mobility, and automation of business processes amongst others.”