MARITIME FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS BUSINESS PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0    Executive Summary

1.1    Business Overview

1.2    Our Mission

1.3    Vision Statement

1.4    Core Services

1.5    Startup Capital Requirement

1.6    Revenue Projections (Year 1–3)

2.0    Business Description

2.1    Industry Overview

2.2    Business Objectives

2.3    Ownership and Legal Structure

2.4    Location and Accessibility

2.5    Competitive Advantage

3.0    Market Analysis

3.1    Industry Trends

3.2    Target Market Overview

4.0    Customer Segmentation

5.0    Competitor Analysis

5.1    Major Competitors in Lagos

5.2    Our Competitive Edge

6.0    SWOT Analysis

7.0    Marketing and Sales Strategy

7.1    Marketing Objectives

7.2    Branding and Promotion

7.3    Sales Strategy

7.4   Pricing Strategy

8.0    Operational Plan

8.1    Location

8.2    Equipment and Fleet

8.3    Services Offered

8.4    Logistics Workflow

9.0    Organizational Structure

9.1    Management Hierarchy

9.2    Personnel Plan

10.0 Financial Plan

10.1 Startup Capital Requirements

10.2 Projected Income Statement (First Year)

11.0 Risk Analysis

12.0 Exit Strategy

13.0 Appendices

Appendix I – Start-up Asset Breakdown

Appendix II – Staff Schedule

Conclusion

1.0 Executive Summary

1.1 Business Overview

Nautix Marine Freight & Logistics Ltd. is a full-service maritime freight and logistics company strategically located in Apapa, Lagos – Nigeria’s busiest port hub. Our company is poised to offer efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for shipping, cargo handling, marine transportation, and supply chain logistics. The business targets manufacturers, importers, exporters, oil & gas companies, and FMCG distributors who require seamless cargo movement and port services.

The Nigerian maritime sector has witnessed remarkable growth, driven by increasing international trade, population-driven demand for goods, and infrastructure investments at seaports. Nautix seeks to harness these opportunities through innovation, digital solutions, and customer-focused operations.

1.2 Our Mission

To be Nigeria’s most reliable and responsive maritime logistics partner, delivering smart and sustainable freight solutions that meet global standards.

1.3 Vision Statement

To lead maritime freight innovation in West Africa, facilitating trade through intelligent logistics and operational excellence.

1.4 Core Services

• Container Freight Handling
• Import & Export Customs Clearance
• Warehousing and Bonded Terminal Support
• Maritime Transport (Inland Waterways & Coastal)
• Freight Forwarding (International & Domestic)
• Port & Dockside Logistics
• Cargo Consolidation & Deconsolidation
• Ship Agency and Vessel Services

1.5 Startup Capital Requirement

To fully establish this venture, we estimate a startup capital requirement of approximately ₦285 million, allocated toward vessel acquisition, office setup, staffing, marketing, and initial working capital.

1.6 Revenue Projections (Year 1–3)

2.0 Business Description

2.1 Industry Overview

Nigeria’s maritime sector handles over 90% of the country’s imports and exports. Lagos alone hosts the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, which process over 70% of national maritime traffic. The industry is governed by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Demand for freight and logistics services is growing due to:

• Expansion in international trade, especially with Asia and Europe
• Growth in e-commerce and third-party logistics
• Improved port infrastructure and dredging
• Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) implementation
• Oil & Gas logistics along coastal corridors

2.2 Business Objectives

• Secure 10+ corporate contracts for cargo handling and clearance in Year 1
• Handle 3,000+ TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of container volume in Year 2
• Launch digital tracking and booking platform by end of Year 1
• Acquire second vessel and expand to Port Harcourt route by Year 3

2.3 Ownership and Legal Structure

Nautix Marine Freight & Logistics Ltd. is a Private Limited Liability Company incorporated under the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigeria. It will operate under applicable maritime laws, customs regulations, and NIMASA/NPA licensing.

2.4 Location and Accessibility

Our operational headquarters is in Apapa Industrial District, Lagos, with proximity to Apapa Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port. This offers access to:

• Port terminals
• Maritime authorities (Customs, NPA, NIMASA)
• Inland waterways (Badagry, Lekki, Onne)
• Major expressways (Apapa-Oshodi Expressway)

2.5 Competitive Advantage

• Strategic Port Location: Minimizes lead time and demurrage risks
• Experienced Workforce: Trained freight agents and maritime engineers
• Digital Platform: Real-time cargo tracking and client dashboards
• Multimodal Reach: Integration with road, rail, and marine networks
• End-to-End Logistics Chain: From port discharge to warehouse delivery