Transforming Nigeria Through Maritime Training

The Tetra Foundation is transforming Nigeria by providing its dynamic youth with world-class maritime vocational training.

We aim to build a new generation of Nigerian maritime professionals with the capacity to satisfy growing demand for highly-skilled talent across the global shipping industry, and at the same time transforming individual lives and laying the foundation for the nation’s wider economic growth and long-term prosperity.

Learn more about our transformational vision...

Nigerian Youth Maritime Opportunities Crewing Vocational Training

Nigeria’s Youth:
The Key to Transformation

Nigeria’s youth has an historic opportunity to transform the nation’s future; with one of the largest and fastest-growing young populations in the world, it has a wealth of talent and ambition.

Given the right opportunities and training, they have the power to elevate not only their own futures, but the prospects of the entire nation, propelling Nigeria into a new era of prosperity.

Population Growth Nigerian Youth Youth Unemployment

The Maritime Industry: Transformative Opportunities

The world’s demand for skilled maritime professionals is rising alongside ever-growing and increasingly complex global trade and technological challenges, including digitalisation, automation, and decarbonisation.

At the same time, traditional maritime hubs are producing ever-fewer seafarers, creating an urgent need for new sources of high-quality talent.

We believe this is a historic opportunity with transformational potential for a new generation of Nigerian maritime professionals: to satisfy global demand – and increasing the resilience and diversity of the talent pool – whilst also building rewarding and sustainable employment across a wide range of maritime specialisms – from crewing, to ship management, logistics, technical and engineering roles, and beyond into wider maritime infrastructure.

Seafarer Supply Demand for Seafarers Maritime Transport 2024

Crewing:
Transformative Skills

The Tetra Foundation is proud to partner with the Union Maritime group which, over the past fifteen years, has established Goodwork Crewing as the largest private crewing company in Nigeria.
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Through this collaboration, the Foundation has access to deep, hands-on expertise: We know how to identify, recruit, train, and inspire young Nigerians to thrive in the maritime industry.

We are now deploying that expertise to deliver an ambitious and impactful crewing initiative that meets the urgent global demand for a new generation of highly skilled maritime professionals, and to lay the foundation for a new era of prosperity in Nigeria.

Goodwork Marine Poverty & Equity Brief Future of Seafarer Training

Vocational Training: Transformation In Practice

At the heart of our mission is a belief in the transformative power of vocational training. While academic qualifications can open doors, it is often practical, hands-on skills that truly unlock access to rewarding and sustainable careers.

Our programme of maritime vocational training offers young Nigerians a tangible path out of poverty – real-world expertise in a systemically vital industry with growing demand for highly-skilled professionals. We are transforming Nigeria through maritime training.

Vocational Education and Training The Value of Vocation TVET in Africa: 2030

How Tetra Foundation is Making a Difference

Scaling Impact:
Cadet Growth and Investment

+250

Cadets

2023-2027

+650

Cadets

2028-2032

+1000

Cadets

2033-2037

+1500

Cadets

2038-2042

+2000

Cadets

2043-2047

+2500

Cadets

2048-2053

Total Cadets by 2053

+7900

Program

Vocational Training

We provide structure training programs in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering to prepare students for global certifications and lifelong careers. From classroom to sea-time experience, we ensure our cadets are ready to excel in a competitive industry

Apply as a student

Program Overview

If you are looking for a career at sea, this is the right choice for you.

Includes

Tuition fees.
Travel expense.
Accommodation & Food.
Stipends.
Global exposure to sea time experience.
Internationally recognised Certificate of Competency (CoC).

Application Requirements

Who can apply?

Young vibrant youth (female & male) within the age range of 16-21 years old.

History

Union Maritime is one of the UK’s largest private ship owners. Established in 2006, its tanker fleet initially served the Nigeria market. It has since grown into a leading global owner, but maintains significant operations and a close bond with Nigeria. Its local agent, Tetra Maritime, is the largest tanker operating company in Nigeria and manages Goodwork crewing, the largest private Nigerian crewing agent, with over 1,000 Nigeria seafarers.

That history laid the groundwork for the Tetra Foundation, which was established as a UK charity in 2024 with an aim to give back to Nigeria. The Foundation is an independent organisation, separate from Union Maritime, and its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by its Board of Directors and Leadership team, ensuring a focused and strategic approach to its mission.

A world-class vision,
Led by world-class people.

Meet the passionate individuals driving change and creating opportunities for Nigeria’s youth.

Laurent Cadji

Board of Trustees

BK Dogra

Board of Trustees

Matthew Enston

Board of Trustees

Thomas Sanders

Executive Leadership

Leadership

Board of Trustees

Laurent Cadji

Laurent was the founding Managing Director of Union Maritime Limited and has built the company over the last two decades into a leading global ship owner and operator with extensive operations in Nigeria.

As the visionary behind the Foundation, he brings deep shipping industry expertise, an extensive network in Nigeria, and a strong commitment to tackling poverty.

In his role as Chair of the Board of Directors, Laurent provides strategic oversight and guidance, ensuring the Foundation’s work is impactful, sustainable, and aligned with its mission to create lasting change.

Leadership

Board of Trustees

BK Dogra

Bhuvnesh Kumar Dogra jointed Union Maritime in 2012 as Head of Technical and brings over 30 years’ experience in the shipping industry.

Prior to this, he held key roles at several leading ship management companies.

With his deep industry knowledge and expertise, BK provides the Foundation with invaluable insight and guidance, particularly in shaping its education and training initiatives to empower individuals with the skills needed for long-term opportunities.

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Leadership

Board of Trustees

Matthew Enston

Matthew started his career in a City law firm and has worked for more than two decades in shipping and commodities, and also acted as General Counsel for a major UK charity.

He provides support and guidance on governance, charity law, legal, and wider corporate operations matters.

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Leadership

Executive Leadership

Thomas Sanders

Thomas joined the Foundation in 2024 with a bold vision to create lasting change by breaking systemic cycles of poverty in Nigeria.

With a background in investment banking and fund management across the UK and Singapore, he brings a global perspective and strategic leadership to the organization.

His expertise in finance, coupled with a deep commitment to social impact, equips him to drive the Foundation’s mission forward, ensuring sustainable solutions that empower communities and transform lives.

Office
Locations

The Tetra Foundation has offices in London, UK, and is supported by a service centre in Lagos, Nigeria.

46 Berners Street, London, W1T 3NE

25B Marine road, GRA, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria

Transforming Nigeria Through Maritime Training

Nigeria’s Youth:The Key to Transformation

The Maritime Industry: Transformative Opportunities

Crewing:Transformative Skills

Vocational Training: Transformation In Practice

How Tetra Foundation is Making a Difference

+7900

Vocational Training

Program Overview

Application Requirements

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Executive Leadership

OfficeLocations