NIMENA unveils academic journals to boost maritime research, blue economy devt

The Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA) has unveiled plans to establish two peer-reviewed academic journals aimed at strengthening research, innovation and policy development across Africa’s maritime sector.

The journals, African Journal of Offshore, Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture (AJOMENA) and the Journal of the Blue Economy & Sustainable Energy Development, are expected to serve as scholarly platforms for advancing indigenous research and promoting collaboration between academia, industry professionals and policymakers in the marine and maritime sectors.

NIMENA said the initiative marks a significant milestone in its efforts to deepen Africa’s maritime knowledge base and enhance the continent’s visibility in global marine engineering research.

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According to the institution, the African Journal of Offshore, Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture (AJOMENA) will focus on key technical fields including offshore engineering, marine engineering, naval architecture and maritime technology.

The second publication, the Journal of the Blue Economy & Sustainable Energy Development, will examine emerging themes in the maritime ecosystem such as blue economy policy, maritime innovation, sustainable energy systems and ocean economy development.

NIMENA explained that both journals are designed to strengthen indigenous research capacity while encouraging knowledge exchange among researchers, engineers, policymakers and industry stakeholders within Africa and beyond.

The official launch of the journals is scheduled for May 11, 2026, at the headquarters of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Abuja.

Speaking ahead of the launch, NIMENA National Chairman, Eferebo I. Sylvanus, said the initiative aligns with the institution’s vision to support evidence-based policy development, encourage technological innovation and contribute to Nigeria’s expanding blue economy.

Sylvanus noted that the journals would provide credible academic outlets for researchers and professionals working in marine engineering and related maritime fields, while also supporting the development of sustainable strategies for Africa’s maritime domain.

Industry stakeholders, researchers and members of the engineering community are expected to attend the launch event, which NIMENA said will underscore the importance of research-driven solutions in advancing Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy agenda.