Sylvanus hailed for boosting Nigeria’s maritime engineering, blue economy
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to harness the economic potential of its blue economy, Engr. Dr. Eferebo Ibietela Sylvanus has gained prominence as a leading professional in marine engineering, naval architecture,
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to harness the economic potential of its blue economy, Engr. Dr. Eferebo Ibietela Sylvanus has gained prominence as a leading professional in marine engineering, naval architecture, and maritime policy development.
According to a statement, Sylvanus was born on June 7, 1983, in Tombia Town, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. His career progression reflects a combination of academic achievement, technical expertise, and leadership within the maritime sector.
He obtained a Bachelor of Technology in Marine Engineering from Rivers State University in 2008, followed by a Master’s degree in Naval Architecture and Ship Construction in 2019, and a PhD in Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding in 2023.
With more than 20 years of professional experience, he has worked in engineering design, offshore operations, consultancy, and policy advisory roles. He began his career as a Senior Mechanical Engineer on the Jubob/NETCO Front-End Engineering Design project for SEPLAT’s Liquid Treatment Facility.
In 2009, he established his first engineering consultancy before founding Somatrix Marine Limited, where he currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. The COREN-registered company provides services in marine and offshore engineering, ship design, project management, and advanced simulation technologies, including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), with operations extending beyond Nigeria to other African countries such as South Africa.
Sylvanus is recognised for his expertise in ship hydrodynamics, offshore systems, and digital engineering solutions applied to challenges in the oil, gas, and maritime industries.
Beyond practice, he has held key roles in engineering governance and policy development. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
He previously served as National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects and chaired COREN’s Sector Committee on Engineering Regulation, Monitoring and Enforcement for the maritime sector.
Read Also: NIMENA chair Sylvanus bags doctorate, leads MIMA 2026 voting
Sylvanus also serves as Principal Technical Consultant to the House Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring, contributing to policies aimed at strengthening local content, indigenous capacity, and technical self-reliance in the maritime and oil and gas sectors.
He has been an advocate for engineering education reform, promoting outcome-based education systems and the development of indigenous maritime classification standards.
He also chairs the Management Board of the Centre for Marine and Offshore Technology Development at Rivers State University, where he supports research, innovation, and industry-academic collaboration.
Outside his professional engagements, Sylvanus is involved in mentoring young engineers and community development initiatives in Tombia.
He is married to Mrs. Chidimma Joy Eferebo, and the union is blessed with three children.
