The Indigenous Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (ISAN) is the umbrella industry association of Nigerians who are owners of vessels of 500GRT and above. It is convened for the purpose of promoting and regulating the business of ship ownership and management, in addition to creating employment opportunities for Nigerian sea-farers.

Our desire is for the country to be able to take advantage of its competitive edge to harness our maritime and shipping potential for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. ISAN has since inception witnessed a dramatic increase in membership.

Nigerians no doubt, lack capacities not the skill and for shipping trade to thrive, the tripartite formula, namely, ship owner/managers; charterers (employers of vessels) and financial institution (investment banks, bond markets etc) must be put in place.

• To promote and protect the interests of Nigeria shipowners.
• To assist the Federal Government of Nigeria in its effort to develop a commercially viable and efficient national fleet for both domestic and international trade.
• To represent members of the association in their collective dealing with the government and its agencies, shippers and other organizations on matters of mutual interests.
• To foster mutual assistance and co-operation among members and to provide for discussion and exchange of views on matters of mutual interests.
• To make representation to any government agency, organization, or individual as necessary.

• To collate and analyze data, publish and distribute newsletters and other  periodicals, to disseminate information of interest to member subject to prior approval.
• To support educational and training institutions involved in maritime affairs.
• To become a member of national and international organizations for the benefit of members and to represent Nigeria at international shipping meetings and fora as necessary.
•  Promote the business and practice of indigenous ship ownership and management in Nigeria, in accordance with generally accepted international industry best practices.Coordinate, protect and promote the interest of indigenous ship owners and managers in all maters of shipping policy development and operations in Nigeria

• Maintain a close relationship with appropriate governmental agencies for he purpose of advancing the interests of its members and contributing to the orderly development of shipping business in Nigeria.
• Facilitate, encourage and promote the sea training of Nigeria seafarers on board its vessels and encourage patronage of Nigeria ship building and ship repair facility in its operation.