03/07/2026
FUTIA NAVAL ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS UNDERTAKE EDUCATIONAL EXCURSION TO NPA, ECO MARINE TERMINAL IN CALABAR
The Department of Naval Architecture, Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, 26th June, 2026, successfully concluded an Educational Excursion Exercise to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Eco Marine Terminals (ECM) in Calabar, Cross River State, as part of the University's strategic commitment to anchoring knowledge with industry best practices.
The excursion, which involved 100 and 200-level students of the Department, was designed to expose the students to real-time port and terminal operations, bridging the gap between classroom theories, real-world naval architecture practice, and the vast innovation in the blue economy ecosystem and development.
On arrival at ECM, the FUTIA delegation was received and taken through a comprehensive safety and security orientation, as the terminal was operating under "Security Level 1" at the time of the visit. The Safety Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Okpei, briefed the group on terminal conduct rules, including restrictions on crossing designated boundary lines, the prohibition of swimming and diving, the avoidance of stacking areas, and the mandatory wearing of safety clothing throughout the visit.
Students were thereafter conducted on a thorough facility tour by the Base Superintendent of the ECM Terminal, Mr. Asuquo Okon Ita. He conducted the students through the terminal's operational zones, berth systems, mooring infrastructure, cargo handling procedures, vessel classification, warehousing operations, and port logistics.
The ECM Terminal, which counts the Dangote Group among its notable clients, operates six berths across Terminals 4, 5, and 6, where vessels of various types are anchored, loaded, and discharged. Notably, the students observed and received explanations on the different categories of vessels that call at the terminal, including liquid bulk tankers - carrying petroleum products; general cargo vessels - handling goods in bundles or units; dry bulk vessels - carrying loose commodities such as wheat and gypsum; and container vessels - handling standard intermodal containers.
Major highlights and key technical areas covered during the educational tour included vessel mooring and bollard systems, the distinction between fore and aft positions on a vessel, design draft and dredging operations, transit warehousing and stacking procedures, forklift counterweight mechanics, and the roles of agents, consignees, and port operators in the maritime supply chain. Students also learned that port operations run on a 24-hour basis, with vessels requiring agent facilitation through the Consignee Terminal before cargo is discharged, a process formally referred to as paging.
Significantly, students also gained awareness of a critical national maritime gap: Nigeria's absence of a national vessel registration system, which is among the challenges that future Naval Architects from institutions, including FUTIA, are being equipped to address.
In a letter of commendation, the FUTIA Vice Chancellor, Prof. Leo Daniel, on behalf of the Management of the University, expressed appreciation to the Management and staff of the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Eco Marine Terminal for enhancing the synergy between the institution and the industry.
The FUTIA Naval Architecture Department particularly acknowledges the hospitality, professionalism, warm reception, and quality of engagement extended to the FUTIA delegation.
Members of staff who led the students on the educational excursion include the Acting Head of the Naval Architecture Department, Mr. Aniekeme Mayor; Departmental Secretary, Mrs. Idara Ekoriko; Mr. Raphael Iduehe (Course Lecturer); Mr. Brown Owoidoho (Course Lecturer/Level Adviser); and Mr. Ekpeno Sunday from the Works Directorate.
The excursion is part of the University's broader commitment to providing students with practical, hands-on exposure to related industries, aligning academic learning with real-world operational and administrative mechanisms within their fields of study.
Information and Public Relations Directorate
