LADOL Joins Over 300 Companies and Organisations to Sign ‘The Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change’

Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base, LADOL has joined Global industry and human rights leaders, including A.P. Moller – Maersk, BP, BW, Cargill, COSCO, DOW, Euronav, MISC Group, NYK, Rio Tinto, Shell, Trafigura, Unilever and Vale, sign the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change in a worldwide call to action to end the unprecedented crew change crisis caused by Covid-19.

Hundreds of thousands of seafarers from across the globe have been left stranded working aboard ships beyond the expiry of their initial contracts and are unable to be relieved since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Fatigue after long periods at sea has significant consequences on the physical and mental wellbeing of seafarers.

It also increases the risk of maritime incidents and environmental disasters, and poses a threat to the integrity of maritime supply chains, which carry 90% of global trade.

Despite significant efforts by international organizations, unions, companies and some governments to resolve this untenable crew change crisis we are starting to see the situation getting worse as governments bring in more travel bans in response to the new strains of the Covid-19 virus.

A number of key issues leave this critical situation unresolved: national authorities around the world continue to see crew changes and international travel as a Covid-19 risk; high-quality health protocols are not being consistently implemented by ship operators; and the disruption of international air travel has reduced the number of flights between traditional crew change hubs and major seafaring nations.

We are witnessing a humanitarian crisis at sea. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, seafarers have kept the world supplied with food, energy and other vital goods, with no line of sight of when to go home to their families. They have become hostage of the situation and unable to disembark from their ships. Yet, we can put an end to the crew change crisis without any risk to the general public health,” says Jeremy Nixon, CEO of ONE.

More than 300 companies and organizations recognize that they have a shared responsibility based on their roles across the entire maritime value chain, and beyond, to ensure that the crew change crisis is resolved as soon as possible.

They have signed the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change that defines four main actions to facilitate crew changes and keep global supply chains functioning:

• Recognize seafarers as key workers and give them priority access to Covid-19 vaccines
• Establish and implement gold standard health protocols based on existing best practice
• Increase collaboration between ship operators and charterers to facilitate crew changes
• Ensure air connectivity between key maritime hubs for seafarers

“Seafarers play a significant role in the global race to halt the coronavirus pandemic by providing critical medical medical supplies to the world’s population, particularly in developing economies. They are crucial to millions of peoples’ wellbeing.

We call on our peers, government bodies and other stakeholders to join us in our efforts to ensure that the rights and wellbeing of the frontline workers of global supply chains are respected,” says Graham Westgarth, Chairman of V. Group.

The Neptune Declaration has been developed by a taskforce of stakeholders from across the maritime value chain including A. M. Nomikos, Cargill, Dorian LPG, GasLog, Global Maritime Forum, International Chamber of Shipping,

International Maritime Employers’ Council, International Transport Workers’ Federation, ONE, Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Sustainable Shipping Initiative, Synergy Group, V. Group, and World Economic Forum.

Home Page news NewsJan 27th, 20210 comments

LADOL Remains Best in Class, Overcoming 2020 Challenges and Renewing its ISO Certifications

LAGOS December 24, 2020: Lagos Deep Offshore Logistic Base, LADOL has once proven to be one of the top performing and compliant companies in Nigeria, as the company overcame the 2020 challenges and renewed its International Organization Standardization, ISO 45001:2018, 14001:2015 and 9001 certifications.

In 2018 LADOL became the first company in West and North Africa to be 45001 and 14001 certified. The rapid adaptions, hard work, perseverance, and high compliance levels in were given glowing reviews when the company was re-certified this year.

These certifications reflect 20 years of continuous improvement and development by LADOL. The staff and management have long believed that embedding best practice and strong policies and procedures into the organisation’s DNA are is one of the key ingredients for its success. Continuous improvement in its Management Systems for Quality, Occupational Health and Safety and Environment Management enables the organization to meet and beat international best practices.

ISO 9001 is a quality standard, ISO 45001:2018 is for Occupational Health and Safety, while 14001:2015 is for Environment Management Systems.

The framework for LADOL’s management system is very much driven by the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which is reflected in all the goals, assessments, policies, and procedures of LADOL.

The Managing Director of LADOL, Dr. Amy Jadesimi was part of the audit close out meeting along with several members of the staff and management. Dr. Jadesimi’s closing statements included the following:

“I couldn’t be prouder to have the privileged of leading the LADOL team. 2020 has been a tough year, but throughout our staff have shown dedication and an impressive work ethic. We have all worked unbelievably hard, but even as the struggle continues we remain strong and undeterred because we know we have the knowledge, ability, and tools to keep pushing through and exceeding local and global expectations.

“The audit process is not a tick the box exercise for us, it is an opportunity demonstrate and improve how we operate. Compliance to these global standards helped us build a rock solid foundation for LADOL. A foundation on which we continuously improve and build every day, every week, and every year for the past two decades and for many more decades to come – a big thank you to all our staff and stakeholders.”

LADOL’s Integrated Management System, IMS and the Assistant Coordinator of the LADOL ISO 9001:2015 project, Abiodun Ogunyemi Moses said: “This shows LADOL’s commitment to the safety and health of her workers and all stakeholders including protection of our environment. Despite the challenges of 2020, LADOL has shown great professionalism in all area, valuing life, and following best practices and international standards in carrying out her activities. This is also a proof to all our customers and intending customers that we are can be trusted to deliver value.”

Home Page news NewsDec 24th, 20200 comments

LADOL : One-Stop-Shop for Multinational Industrial and Offshore Businesses

IndustryWired featured our MD, Dr Amy Jadesimi in its recent highlight of top global leaders, where she talked about LADOL being a “One-Stop-Shop for Multinational Industrial and Offshore Businesses”.

Access full details here

Home Page news NewsMay 4th, 20200 comments

COVID-19: Working with AU Will Help Scale Through This Crisis -MD LADOL

The Managing Director of LADOL Free Zone (LADOL) Dr. Amy Jadesimi says working or collaborating with other African countries can help battle COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Jadesimi who is a Supergroup founding member of the African Influencers for Development Initiative (AIDI), which is a coalition set up with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) disclosed this to our correspondent in a private chat.

This powerful coalition of current and future development champions in African business, academia and the arts, supported by the UNDP, are focused on co-discovering and co-implementing innovative solutions for some of Africa’s biggest challenges

“Working with the African Union, AU and/or otherwise collaborating with other African countries will help us get through this crisis. We should help our smaller neighbours, both because this is the right thing to do morally but also because from an epidemiological perspective, if we don’t eradicate this virus or the threat it poses, every country in Africa remain at risk.”

“The economic ramifications maybe as devastating for us as the health crisis, which is why the Government’s quick action in setting up funds to protect SMEs and Nigerian jobs is very reassuring,” she said.

LADOL’s MD added that working with the AU will also enable the best minds on the continent to work together to come up with the solutions Africa needs in the short, medium and long-term.

“We could also collectively bargain for the materials, equipment and machinery we need and disseminate the same across the continent. Negotiating as the AU or a regional collective, would greatly strengthen our ability to purchase the right preventatives such as sanitizers, gloves, face masks and even test kits etc… as well as the machinery and equipment for treatment, not just to buy the equipment but also to manufacture it locally.”

“In fact, some materials and equipment can be manufactured locally today in African countries which will be easier for us to purchase and learn from, to increase our local manufacturing capabilities.”

“I often say to people that being a Nigerian is what maintains my faith in humanity and times like this really reinforce that belief – despite the fear, the challenges and the uncertainty we are coming together as a nation and supporting each other through this,” she said.

As the most populous nation in Africa, LADOL”s MD believes that Nigeria has unique challenges, responsibilities and opportunities stressing that both Federal and State Governments have risen quickly to the challenge and acted far quicker than some Western governments.

“Nigeria, in fact Africa, must deal with this alone so it is good that the public and private sector are working together on this effort,” she said.

Home Page news NewsApr 18th, 20200 comments

LADOL Joins Private Sector Coalition Fight Against COVID-19

LADOL Free Zone, LADOL has joined private sector coalition fight against the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Nigeria as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Our correspondent authoritatively confirmed this development from the company’s Chairman, Mr. Ladi Jadesimi noting that a donation has been made to Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN in this regard.

In response to enquiries on the company’s CSR initiatives during COVID-19 pandemic, the Chairman stated that the company joined the coalition because they believe this government is on the right track and is handling this crisis well – in fact, as confirmed by the United Nations, the Government of Nigeria’s response has been one of the best in the world

He also confirmed that in addition to this donation LADOL is providing food and PPE for their staff and the local community – with food and protective kits being distributed to the local community.

“We want to support the local communities to ensure that they can stay at home and follow governments advice,” he said adding “I wish that all Nigerians can come together at this time and support each other so we can come through this stronger than ever.”

The Chairman LADOL has emphasised the need for local production and support of local companies stating “over 80% of the jobs in Nigeria come from Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, they must be supported to get through this pandemic”

“Nigerians and all Africans need to be patient and preserver – we can get through this together. At 78 years of age, I have seen Nigeria come through many challenges, but this is an exceptional one. However, I know that Nigerians have the fortitude to triumph through adversity.”

One thing I have learned building LADOL is that patience and perseverance are needed to succeed – private sector would need to coordinate closely with government and we should understand that our support will be needed for the long-term – as getting through this crisis will be a marathon not a sprint,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to stop listening to fake news and advised that only credible organisations and the Federal and State Government advice should be followed.

Home Page news NewsApr 13th, 20200 comments