NPA Issues Fresh Guidelines On Barge Operations, As New SOP Takes Effect September 1st

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has released fresh guidelines on the operations of barges across all the nation’s seaports with effect from September 1, 2021, even as it issued fresh Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which must be complied to by all operators.

The new guidelines according to the Acting Managing Director of NPA, Muhammed Bello Koko are expected to streamline barge operations.

In line with this development, the NPA is poised to also review the modalities for the registration of barge operating licenses with emphasis on operators meeting the minimum safety standards ((MSS) for their barges, warning that failure to meet these requirements will attract stiff sanctions, which include barring any defaulting operator from using the nation’s channels.

Acting Managing Director of the authority, Mohammed Bello Koko, who made this known in Lagos, also disclosed that under these new set of regulations, an electronic call- up system is being developed for deployment for barge operations in which barges would remain at their anchor until they are called up to pick or discharge cargo.

This, according to him is aimed at streamlining their movements to reduce congestion and possible threat to other ocean going vessels.

The MD spoke during an interactive session with members of Barge Operators of Nigeria BOAN who paid him a working visit recently at the authority’s corporate headquarters on Marina, Lagos.

He also disclosed that the authority has in this regard set out to capture a comprehensive profile of all barge operators, which will highlight the carriers’ corporate name, to make for easy identification, especially in line with efforts to check the deployment of dilapidated barges that are in poor state and do not meet the minimum standards for barges and tugboats.

Speaking during the meeting, Bello Koko stated that it is a new era in barge operations and all operators are required to key into this regulatory provisions.

The MD also told the barge operators that government has instituted a binding tariff scheme payable to NPA as well as to the operators.

“There would be a harmonised interactive session (berthing meetings) between the barge operators and the relevant designated Port Managers for specific areas where information sharing would be prioritise”, he also assured.

These meetings are envisaged to create a forum where illegal Barge and Jetty operators would be identified.

To create a relief for the barge operators, the NPA Chief Executive advised all Terminal operators not to demand the collection of a 20 million naira bank bond, with a promise to liaise with the relevant government agencies for a downward review of prevailing charges on carriage of Containers.

On communication, the acting Managing Director also hinted that henceforth, the installation of acceptable UHF Radio communication devices as well as navigational lights on board crafts would be among the critical mandatory requirements for operators by September 1 to ensure safe and secured operational services.

Bello Koko therefore solicited the collaboration of stakeholders in ensuring that best practices are strictly adhered to in this respect, informing stakeholders that amongst the expected requirements for barge operators, there would be class and personnel certification in order to ensure that they are sea worthy.

The MD noted that efficient barge operational systems for easy evacuation was a panacea for port congestion, as this would ensure that regulatory standards are strictly adhered to, warning that no illegality would be tolerated any longer.

On developing capacity for the operators, he said management is strategising for effective partnership with barge operators in the area of training to enable them acquire more knowledge on the profession which is expected to impact positively on general port operations if the regulatory standards are strictly adhered to.

To further ensure safety in navigation of barges, Tug masters are required to possess Pilot Exemption Certificate (PEC) even as night operations are abolished while double loading of barges are prohibited to prevent damage to the quayside.

While speaking on the need to deploy information communication technology ICT into barge operations, the NPA Chief Executive informed stakeholders that management will interface with the operators through notable NPA digital communication platforms and relevant divisions as well as personnel for a harmonised and more efficient single window operations, which is expected to stimulate operational efficiency.

Additionally, many of the barge operators who have been operating for more than three years without paying any fees would now be required to make payments through the NPA, thereby generating more revenue for government.