The ship chandling industry plays a vital role in maintaining maritime operations, offering everything from food and fuel to technical parts and safety gear. In Nigeria, government agencies such as the Nigerian Navy, Customs Service, and NIMASA regularly issue tenders for ship chandling to support fleet operations across coastal and inland waterways. Understanding how to respond to a tender for ship chandling in Nigeria is key for qualified contractors looking to secure long-term, high-value supply agreements.

In this guide, we explore the ship chandling tender process, what government clients typically require, and how Wigmore Trading stands out as a trusted supplier in this competitive space.

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What Is Ship Chandling?

Ship chandling refers to the provisioning of vessels with all necessary supplies to operate effectively at sea or in port. These include:

• Dry and fresh food provisions

• Technical equipment and spare parts

• Fuel, lubricants, and chemicals

• Safety gear and firefighting supplies

• Navigation tools and bonded goods

Chandlers deliver directly to ships at port, anchor, or naval bases. For public sector contracts, this must be done in full compliance with procurement laws and security protocols.

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Types of Government Tenders for Ship Chandling in Nigeria

Tenders may be issued by a range of federal and state bodies, including:

• Nigerian Navy

• Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)

• Nigeria Customs Service (Marine Units)

• National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA)

• Ministry of Defence Logistics Commands

• Port Authorities and Emergency Response Agencies

These tenders typically appear in the Federal Tenders Journal, agency websites, and vendor portals.

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Requirements to Qualify for a Ship Chandling Tender

To qualify for and respond to a tender for ship chandling in Nigeria, contractors must meet several legal, operational, and technical benchmarks:

1. Corporate Registration & Certification

• CAC registration and evidence of tax compliance

• NSITF, PENCOM, and ITF certificates

• Valid ship chandling or maritime supply license (where applicable)

2. Experience and References

• Proven track record of delivering to government or commercial vessels

• References from past clients or completed contracts

• Capability statements tailored to the tender scope

3. Technical and Logistical Capability

• Warehousing and cold storage for food provisions

• Delivery trucks and port access clearance

• Stock availability and emergency restocking readiness

4. Compliance Documentation

• BOQ-aligned proposal with detailed product descriptions and prices

• Auditable supply chain with packaging, safety, and quality certifications

• Evidence of past performance and invoice history

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What Government Clients Look for in a Ship Chandling Partner

Agencies issuing tenders evaluate suppliers based on:

• Delivery capability to multiple ports or bases

• Ability to respond quickly during emergencies or missions

• Compliance with military or agency-specific standards

• Transparency and competitive pricing

• Security clearance for sensitive or bonded goods

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How Wigmore Trading Responds to Ship Chandling Tenders in Nigeria

As a registered and experienced government contractor, Wigmore Trading provides turnkey ship chandling services and has a strong track record of successful tender participation.

1. Registered Vendor with Multiple Agencies

• Prequalified with key ministries and defense agencies

• Compliant with all statutory regulatory bodies (FIRS, NSITF, ITF, PENCOM)

2. Comprehensive Chandling Capabilities

• Food and water supplies

• Technical stores and bonded items

• Fuel, lubricants, chemicals, and PPE

• Cold chain, secure transport, and emergency deployment

3. Tender Support and Documentation

• BOQ-aligned bids and detailed technical proposals

• Inventory management and supply plans

• Transparent invoicing and project reporting

4. Delivery Coverage

• Lagos (Apapa, Tin Can), Port Harcourt, Onne, Warri, Calabar

• Inland river ports and naval docks

• Coordination with port authorities and harbor masters

Need a trusted partner for a ship chandling tender in Nigeria? Wigmore Trading offers secure, compliant, and on-time supply services tailored to public sector needs.

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Conclusion

Securing a tender for ship chandling in Nigeria requires more than just a product catalog—it demands compliance, capability, and a clear understanding of naval and government logistics standards. The ability to deliver reliably and transparently is what sets contractors apart.

Wigmore Trading is committed to supporting Nigeria’s maritime sector with end-to-end ship chandling services—delivered with professionalism, speed, and full regulatory compliance.