NPA Licensed · BIMCO Standard
West Africa
Vessel Charter
& Maritime
Specialist broker and intermediary for tanker charter, offshore vessel charter and port agency across Nigeria and West Africa since 2009.
Vessel owners — submit your open position →750+
Charters Completed
15+
Years of Experience
4
Major Nigerian Ports
6+
Countries Served
15+
Years Experience
Who We Are
West Africa's Trusted
Maritime Intermediary
Calmwaters Shipping Ltd operates as a specialist broker and intermediary — connecting charterers and vessel owners across Nigerian and West African waters since 2009. NPA Licensed Port Agent.
Led by Pius Nobei (MBA), our team brings 15+ years of hands-on experience in tanker brokerage, port operations and BIMCO-standard charter party documentation across four major Nigerian ports.
What We Do
Maritime Services
Across West Africa
"Every charter we arrange is built on BIMCO-standard documentation, transparent negotiation and the trust of 15 years in Nigerian waters."
Pius Nobei, MBA — CEO, Calmwaters Shipping Ltd
For Vessel Owners
Appoint Calmwaters to Represent
Your Vessel in West Africa
We have an active book of verified Nigerian cargo principals — NNPCL-licensed traders, oil marketers and refiners placing regular liftings across Gulf of Guinea routes. 750+ charters completed since 2009.
01
Submit Your Open Position
Share your vessel type, DWT, ballast area and open date. Our chartering desk reviews all submissions and responds within 4 hours.
02
We Canvass Verified Principals
Your vessel is presented only to confirmed cargo interests — principal status verified, signed LOI received before your position is named to any party.
03
You Receive LOI-Backed Enquiries
Every enquiry arrives with a signed LOI on company letterhead, BIMCO terms agreed, and payment security — LC at sight, pre-payment, or escrow — confirmed before loading.
Why appoint us over an international broker
Physical presence in Apapa since 2009
Not a London desk phoning Lagos — we are in the port district, with principal relationships built over 15 years.
Direct access to verified Nigerian cargo principals
NNPCL-licensed traders, oil marketers, and refiner affiliates — introduced directly, not through intermediary chains.
LOI gates every approach to your vessel
Your open position is never circulated speculatively. Principal confirmed and signed LOI received before your vessel is named.
NPA Licensed — port agent and broker in one
We clear your vessel at port AND fix your cargo. One trusted local contact for every Nigerian port call.
Active cargo book — Q2 2025
Representative cargo interests currently seeking vessels
Gulf of Guinea — CPP
MR tankers · 5,000–17,000 MT · Spot & COA
Nigerian Crude Export
Suezmax / Aframax · Bonny · Forcados · Escravos
West Africa Coastal — DPP
MR tankers · Lagos–Ghana–Benin–Togo · 48hr turns
Deepwater Offshore Supply
PSV / AHTS · Bonga · Agbami · Egina · Preowei
LPG Coastal Distribution
Pressurised / semi-ref carriers · Nigeria coastal runs
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Questions
Everything you need to know about chartering a vessel in Nigeria and West Africa through Calmwaters Shipping Ltd.
Ask a QuestionWhat vessel types can you charter in Nigeria and West Africa?
We arrange charters for crude oil tankers (VLCC, Suezmax, Aframax), product tankers (MR, LR1, LR2), LNG/LPG carriers, chemical tankers, PSV, AHTS and specialised offshore support vessels. All charters use BIMCO-standard charter party terms.
Which Nigerian ports do you operate in?
We are a licensed NPA agent across Lagos Apapa, Port Harcourt, Warri, Bonny Terminal, and Calabar — plus trusted partners in Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast.
How does the charter process work?
Send your cargo details, ports, laycan, and quantity via WhatsApp or the charter request form. We confirm your role as principal or authorised trader, then identify vessels and present options with indicative rates. Vessel positions are shared with verified principals only — introducing brokers are welcome with direct principal contact.
Do you work with international vessel owners?
Yes. We actively partner with international owners trading in Nigerian and West African waters — handling NPA port agency, NIMASA compliance, customs clearance and crew logistics on your behalf.
What charter party forms do you use?
We use internationally recognised BIMCO forms — GENCON for voyage charters, SHELLTIME/SUPPLYTIME for time charters, BARECON for bareboat. All documentation meets international broker standards.
Do you work with Nigerian companies as charterers?
Yes — the majority of our cargo interests are Nigerian companies: trading houses, refiners, oil marketers, and NNPCL-licensed traders. We are an NPA Licensed Agent familiar with Nigerian commercial norms, LC structures through Nigerian banks, and the documentation requirements of PPPRA and NMDPRA-licensed operators. Nigerian principals are welcome to enquire directly.
For Charterers
Need a Vessel?
Submit your cargo details — we respond with vessel options and indicative rates within the hour.
For Vessel Owners
Open Position in
West Africa?
Share your vessel details — we canvass verified Nigerian cargo principals and respond within 4 hours.