By our contributor
A ship building company in Akwa Ibom State, Norfin Offshore Shipyard Limited has launched its first vessel, MV Norfin Swift.
MV Norfin Swift is a nine meter fast security escort vessel was unveiled at the shipyard in Oruk Anam by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.
Chairman of Norfin Group, Engr. Charles Udonwa, who is an Akwa Ibom born Singaporean ship builder said the security vessel is up for charter, direct purchase for security, as well as oil and gas related services.
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Engr. Udonwa appreciated the state government for creating an investment -friendly climate in the state, saying his company’s presence in the state will help Akwa Ibom become a major player in the nation’s maritime industry.
He said though the shipyard was attacked by gunmen and equipment worth millions of Naira destroyed, the company is not deterred.
Unveiling the facility, Governor Udom Emmanuel, said the State government is ready to partner the Norfin Group, lauded the investor, Engr. Udonwa,
for siting the shipyard in the state.
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Governor Emmanuel condemned recent attack on the shipyard, urged to rise and protect the company which he said will have direct positive impact on the host community.
“Today marks a seed harvest in the entire Gulf of Guinea. We don’t take this investment for granted.”
“I hope the host community will behave well.”
“My brother Charles I share your pains in the last attack. Whatever we are going to do as a state government to ameliorate that pain, we will do. Locating this facility here is for the benefit of the entire country”, the Governor said.
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The Minister of State for Power, Engr Goddy Agba, who represented the Secretary to Government of the Federation said the federal government will partner the company in its quest of developing local contents.
Goodwill messages were given by the Commander, Nigeria Navy, NNS Jubilee, Ikot Abasi, Commodore Majid Ibrahim; Leader, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Sir. Udo Kierian Akpan, and the President, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria, Dr. Eke George described the investment as historic and hailed Governor Udom Emmanuel for creating an investment friendly environment in the state.
