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Tag: vessel

  • LNG-powered containerised vessel berths at Lagos port

    LNG-powered containerised vessel berths at Lagos port

    APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria’s largest container terminal, made a significant milestone on Wednesday, with the arrival of “Kota Oasis”, the first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered containership to visit West Africa.

    The vessel, measuring 260 meters in length and 46 meters in width, with a gross tonnage of 77,850, sails under the Singaporean flag and is owned by Pacific International Lines (PIL). It is the fifth LNG-powered ship in PIL’s fleet and the first of its new “O” class — a series of 8,200 TEU dual-fuel container vessels that can run on both LNG and, in the future, bio-methane to further cut carbon emissions.

    The vessel, it was gathered, is equipped with Win-GD’s advanced X-DF engines featuring Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling (iCER), a system that reduces methane slip and helps lower the vessel’s environmental impact.

    These engines offer a low-pressure gas solution that is cost-effective, energy-efficient, and compliant with the International Maritime Organisation’s Tier III regulations. They emit low levels of nitrogen oxides and virtually no sulfur oxides or particulate matter, making the vessel one of the most environmentally friendly in its class.

    Speaking at the berthing ceremony, Terminal Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, expressed his appreciation for PIL’s decision to dock the LNG-powered vessel at the terminal. He emphasised that the move aligns with APM Terminals’ mission to reduce carbon emissions within the port and its surrounding communities.

    He noted that efficient port operations contribute to faster vessel turnaround times, which allow ships to travel at slower speeds to their next destinations, thereby conserving fuel and reducing overall emissions. He reaffirmed APM Terminals’ commitment to the Nigerian market, stating that the company will continue to invest in infrastructure upgrades to improve operational efficiency, accommodate larger vessels, and support trade growth.

    The Head of Operations for PIL Nigeria, Olawunmi Akinyemi, described the arrival of “Kota Oasis” as a major achievement that reinforces the company’s dedication to the Nigerian and West African markets.

    He stated that Nigeria remains a core focus for PIL and that the introduction of the LNG-powered vessel reflects the company’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to enhance cost efficiency and environmental sustainability.

    Read Also: NLNG  lifts FMC, Asaba  with neonatal, ICU facilities

    Dhruv Kohli, Operations Lead for PIL West Africa, added that the vessel’s arrival in Apapa demonstrates PIL’s commitment to deploying the latest and most advanced shipping technologies in the region. He highlighted the company’s investment in dual-fuel engines capable of using LNG, traditional fuel, and, eventually, ammonia, once it becomes a viable fuel option.

    Kohli stressed the importance of embracing innovation to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and build a more sustainable future for maritime transport.

    The event also drew praise from Nigerian port authorities and regulatory bodies.  The representative of the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, who also doubles as the General Manager of Health and Safety Executive, Ibrahim Abdul, commended PIL for introducing the LNG-powered vessel, calling it a move that supports the International Maritime Organisation’s policies on carbon emission reduction.

     Abdul outlined the agency’s sustainability initiatives, including the conversion of generators to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and the installation of solar energy systems at the port.

    Also, Port Manager of the Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Lawal, applauded the development. Lawal described Kota Oasis’s arrival as a significant accomplishment for both PIL and APM Terminals, expressing satisfaction that such a groundbreaking voyage began at Apapa, which he called Nigeria’s premier port, where “everything good is happening.”

    The event marked a milestone not only for Nigeria’s maritime sector but also for the broader efforts to adopt cleaner, more sustainable practices across the global shipping industry.

  • Nigerian Navy intercepts fleeing vessel from Gabon

    Nigerian Navy intercepts fleeing vessel from Gabon

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) has intercepted a vessel that allegedly fled from Gabon without proper documentation.

    The vessel, MV BLU-SHARK , was intercepted in Calabar on May 6 at about 11:52hours by the navy’s NNS OSE, a statement by the Navy’s Director of Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said on Friday in Abuja.

    According to him, 11 crew members were arrested.

    Adams-Aliu explained that the vessel was intercepted following an alert message on May 2, by the Multinational Maritime Co-ordination Center Zone D, which requested for the search and possible arrest of the vessel with IMO number 8767783.

    He said the vessel allegedly escaped from Port Gentil Gabon on May 2 at about 11:35pm without obtaining necessary customs clearance documents from the Gabonese maritime, judicial and customs authorities.

    Read Also: Akpabio lauds Nigerian Navy over increased oil production

    “The arrest of MV BLU-SHARK is part of existing collaborative efforts between regional maritime security agencies in the Gulf of Guinea under the Yaoundé Code of Conduct on Maritime Security in the Region,” he said.

    Adams-Aliu said that the arrest was also in line with Nigeria’s strategy for a safe and secure maritime environment to enhance the nation’s Blue Economy.

    He said the navy would conduct preliminary investigations to ascertain the veracity of the allegation with a view to handling the vessel in line with the dictates of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct.

    According to him, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has commended the officers and ratings of NNS OSE for their professionalism in apprehending the alleged fleeing vessel.

    He reiterated the Navy’s commitment to collaborating with neighbouring countries to combat transnational maritime crimes in the region.

    (NAN) 

  • British vessel attacked on Red Sea

    British vessel attacked on Red Sea

    A British-cargo vessel was attacked  on the Red Sea on Tuesday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.

    The attack on the ship happened west of Hodeida in Yemen just after midnight.

    No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but the Associated Press reports that suspicions are on Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

    The UKMTO said the ship’s master was “aware of a small craft on his Port side” before a projectile was fired at the ship.

    No crew  member was injured in the attack.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu witnesses arrival of LNG-powered vessel at Lekki seaport

    The vessel sustained small damages on its bridge windows, but the vessel was deemed safe to continue its journey.

    Earlier on Monday, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said the UK would, if necessary, not hesitate to respond again, in self-defence, to Houthis in Yemen.

    He was updating MPs after the UK and the U.S. took part in joint airstrikes against Houthi rebel sites on Saturday.

    Mr Shapps said the attacks were in line with international law and in self-defence, adding that they had targeted three military facilities following “very careful analysis.”

    (dpa/NAN) 

  • Senate Committee advocates vessel maintenance

    Senate Committee advocates vessel maintenance

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Nigerian Navy, Senator Gbenga Daniel, has advocated vessel maintenance and repairs, along with the urgent need for infrastructure development, particularly the construction of a jetty in Badagry.

    He stressed the necessity of a jetty to effectively combat illegal activities such as bunkering and smuggling.

    He underscored that the absence of a jetty in Badagry poses significant challenges in confronting illicit maritime activities, underscoring the urgency of expediting the construction process.

    He spoke at during an oversight visit to the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command, Apapa, Lagos.

    Highlighting the operational constraints faced by the Nigerian Navy, Daniel said that out of 19 vessels, only seven are currently operational, adding that only four vessels are deployable in case of emergencies, underscoring the pressing need for comprehensive maintenance and repairs.

    He called for spare part acquisition to ensure the sustained operational readiness of the fleet.

    “We spoke about the human capacity, I’m pleased to say that part of what we have found out is that the Navy has a bunch of well trained personnel, what is required is to support them so that they can perform their functions. We found out that out of about 19 vessels, only seven of them are operational and even out those of seven that are operational, only four can be deployed in case of emergency but luckily we have the personnel and part of what we want to do talking about budget is to put emphasis on the maintenance and repairs of some of these vessels. We are going to push for spare part acquisition and maintenance”, he explained.

    Read Also: Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri rail project to be completed, operational soon – Minister

    The senator expressed gratitude to the President Bola Tinubu for his “proactive” approval of a supplementary budget aimed at bolstering the military, with specific provisions for the Nigerian Navy.

    On budget disbursement, Daniel assured stakeholders that close scrutiny and transparency would underpin the allocation process, underscoring the commitment to accountability and effective utilization of resources.

    He acknowledged the need for ongoing support and pledged to advocate for additional resources, bearing in mind the critical nature of the Navy’s operational requirements.

    The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Bala Hassan emphasized the committee’s vital contribution to the Navy’s functioning, deliberations, legal framework, funding, and decision-making processes.

    He stressed the importance of the committee’s visit in gaining practical insights into the challenges faced by the Western Naval Command and the broader Nigerian Navy.

  • Court orders forfeiture of vessel, cargo seized from convicts

    THE Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered the forfeiture of 600,000 litres of diesel (Automotive Gas Oil) and a vessel, which were recovered from 12 convicts, to the Federal Government.

    Justice Mohammed Idris made the order after he sentenced the convicts to six years imprisonment for dealing in the petroleum product without a licence.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in October 2015 arraigned them on four counts of conspiracy, dealing in diesel without lawful authority and forgery.

    They are Christopher Okorie, John Mbah, Tammy Bami, Osi Prince, Chukwuji Festus, Kabiru Adeyemo, Ayannubi Moses, Sopuruchukwu Chukwudi, Obinna Ebu, Abdullahi Oyelade, Charles Ubey and Achia Vincent.

    They were accused of forging a Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) permit.

    EFCC charged them along with their vessel, MV PSV DEBY, and two companies – Phonic Marine Services Limited and Banquet Chambers Nigeria Limited.

    Justice Idris convicted them on all the counts. On the first and second counts, he sentenced each of the convicts to five years imprisonment.

    On counts three and four, the judge sentenced them to six years’ imprisonment, all of which he said would run concurrently.

    Prosecuting counsel Ekene Iheanacho said the convicts committed the offence between December 2014 and September 2015 in Lagos.

    EFCC said the 12 accused, with intent to defraud, “forged a document, to wit: Permit to Operate as an Oil Industry Service Company; Specialised Category; Permit No. DPR/OGISP/14/848714/N4146, and purported the permit to have been issued by the Department of Petroleum Resources in order to favour Phonic Marine Services.”

    The offence contravened sections 1(2)(c), 1(17)(b) and 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    Six witnesses, including DPR, Navy and EFCC officials testified for the prosecution.

    Justice Idris held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

    He ordered the vessel, MV PSV DEBY, and the cargo on board to be forfeited to the Federal Government.

  • NCDMB, Agip partner on OPL 245 floating vessel project

    NCDMB, Agip partner on OPL 245 floating vessel project

    The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and key stakeholders in the oil and gas industry are collaborating to achieve high Nigerian Content in the Zabazaba oil field development project.

    NAOC is developing the Zabazaba and Etan deep water integrated project with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) on Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245.

    The company and the Board have organised a workshop on the Nigerian Content opportunities on the Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) platform to be deployed in the project.

    According to NCDMB, the opportunities in the FPSO package are in engineering, procurement, construction and integration (EPCI) and that the workshop was organised to discuss the project’s scope and opportunities, harness  capacities and develop new capacities to meet the project requirements. It also provided a platform for international and local contractors to discuss possible collaborations ahead of the preparation of EPC tenders.

    The Board’s Acting Executive Secretary, Mr. Daziba Patrick Obah expressed the Board’s determination to ensure that the FPSO package is delivered in accordance with the provisions and targets set in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act 2010.

    He noted that the Board learnt lessons from the evaluation and compliance monitoring carried out on Total’s Egina deep water project and intends to build on those lessons on the Zabazaba and Etan deep water project.

    He said the industry recorded significant capacity development initiatives on the back of Egina project, the most prominent being the FPSO Integration yard being constructed at LADOL in readiness for the Egina FPSO integration in 2017.

    “This legacy investment is a clear demonstration that major EPC projects can be leveraged to expand capacities and develop new capabilities for the benefit of the industry,” Obah added.

    NAOC’s Vice Chairman, Mr. Massimo Insulla said the company was embarking on the project “when everybody is scared of investing in the oil and gas business around the world due to low oil prices as well as factors related to global economic downturn.” He solicited the cooperation of  stakeholders to the success of the project.

    He said other workshops would be organised for other packages of the project, including the supply of line pipes for gas export, EPC for umbilicals, EPCI for pipelines, flowlines, risers and installation, EPC for SPS and wellheads and EPC for Calm buoy offloading.

    House of Representatives Committee on Local Content Chairman, Emmanuel Ekon praised NAOC for investing in the industry at a time of recession.

    He noted that indigeneous contractors had demonstrated capacity on the Egina project, expressing confidence that they would deliver on the Zabazaba project if given the opportunity.

    He assured foreign EPCI contractors that the Nigerian Content Act was not designed to exclude foreign participation in the oil and gas industry, but encourages partnership with local players, capacity building and in-country domiciliation.

  • Navy arrests vessel with 400-tanker load of stolen crude in Warri

    In what it described as one of its biggest breaks in its fight against oil theft, the Nigerian Navy has arrested a motor transport vessel (MTV) laden with about 4,000 metric tons of substances suspected to be stolen crude oil.

    While parading the massive marine vehicle, measuring about 105.6 metres in length, and the eleven crew members yesterday in Warri, the Flag Officer Commanding the Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman and the Command of the NNS Delta, Commodore Raimi Mohammed, said the Navy will not stop in its campaign against maritime crimes until the criminals are all routed.

    Addressing journalists aboard the arrested vessel, named MT Camille, Rear Admiral Suleiman expressed  concern over the quantity of Nigeria’s crude already siphoned by the vessel, putting the estimation at about 400 trailer tanker loads of crude.

    The officers of the Nigerian Navy, who took turns to speak, said the Central Naval Command of the Navy, through its outpost in Warri, had already commenced its preliminary Investigations into the matter, assuring that it would get to the root of the crime.

    The officers also added that the Navy would not stop at the arrest of the vessel and the crew, but would work to uncover the godfathers behind the MT Camille case and ensure they are exposed.

    “In line with the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff that all choke points, entering into the sea must be manned and that all seaways must be regularly patrolled, in order to curb the activities of illegal businesses and crude oil theft, the headquarters, Central Naval Command assembled all assets to achieve the zero to crude oil theft.

    “It was during a patrol by a ship from the Central Naval Command that MT Camille was intercepted and arrested around Forcados waters. As at the time of arrest, this vessel, measuring about 106 meters long, was laden with 4000 metric tons of products suspected to be stolen crude.

    “Accordingly, signals have been sent to the naval headquarters for directives, preliminary Investigations are on. NNPC, DPR and Shell, which has the loading terminal at Forcados Terminal, have also been intimated of this development.

    “Eleven crew members, including their captain, were arrested and they are all in our custody for the preliminary Investigation before the final directive will come from the headquarters on what to do with the vessel and the crew. The crew members are all Nigerians.

    “We are still interrogating them and there are some things we might not be able to disclose to you now. Definitely, like I told you the last time, that the Navy is not just after vessels and the foot soldiers, all efforts are on to get those behind this.

    “From some of the statements from the crew, we discovered that this vessel has been in our waters for at least three times. Even those some of the crew members, especially the captain, is coming for the first time. Meaning that this vessel has been stealing Nigeria’s crude, and this arrest has finally put an end to the activities of this vessel and those behind it,” the naval chief said.

    However, responding to questions by newsmen on their role in the activities of the vessel, the arrested crew members from MT Camille claimed the vessel was hijacked by an armed group of four, who they said held them hostage and led them to where the crude was siphoned.

    “We left from Ghana and we were going to Cameroun. We didn’t have bunker and food and the vessel was leaking very seriously. So, our boss told us to go towards Forcados, where we would meet someone who would give us food and bunker. It was around where we were supposed to meet the person that those people took over the vessel and said they needed to use it at night. We had to wait till about 8:00pm when we went to where they got the crude,” the suspects claimed.

  • JTF warns vessel owners against oil theft

    To boost the Federal Government’s efforts of curbing oil theft and illegal oil bunkering, the Joint Task Force(JTF) has said it would not hesitate to destroy vessels used for oil related crimes.

    To this end, JTF has warned vessel and barge owners against allowing people to use their vessels for nefarious activities in the Niger Delta region.

    The  outgoing  Commander JTF, Major General Emmanuel Atewe, in a statement,  said failure of vessel owners to ascertain the purpose for which people are borrowing their barges could land them into trouble.

    He said the development became necessary in order to curb oil theft, which has resulted in the loss of an estimated $10billon in Nigeria. He said: “In line with zero tolerance campaign against oil theft declared by JTF and the decision of the Federal Government to curb the crime and save the country a lot of money, we are warning vessel owners against lending out their barges to people they could not vouch for their honesty. The punishment for them is in stages. We will destroy their vessels and also ensure that they are prosecuted in a law court to serve as deterrent to others.”

    He said oil related criminalities in the region and the country in particular must be eradicated to save Nigeria from losing more money. According to him, criminals have caused untold damage to the nation’s economy considering the numerous vandalised pipes, which has resulted in refineries’ poor output, and billions of naira spent on importation of petroleum products by marketers, and others.

    “That is why Nigeria needs modular refineries to compliment the four major refineries in the country.

  • EFCC arraigns 10, vessel for illegal oil bunkering

    EFCC arraigns 10, vessel for illegal oil bunkering

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned 10 persons and a vessel, for alleged oil bunkering.

    They were arrested with 200 metric tons of petroleum products.

    EFCC said they conspired to commit the crime by dealing in petroleum products without appropriate licence on April 4.

    The accused are the vessel’s captain James Abatan, Wasiu Owonikoko, Patrick Ameh, Johson Ademola, Felix Otto, Chigozie Oguike, Olu Salisu, Jomo Gadagbe, Kunle Saheed and Rasheed Adio.

    The alleged offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 3 (1) (6) (17) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    The accused were said to have stored the products without lawful authority, an offence contrary to Section 4 of the Petroleum Act, Cap P10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    Defence counsel Dada Awoshika urged the court to grant them bail, adding that the vessel was duly certified by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Naval authorities to operate on the Nigerian territorial waters.

    But EFCC’s lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo said the Navy handed the accused persons over to the commission for allegedly dealing in petroleum products without licence.

    He added that samples of the cargo on board the vessel were analysed by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

    He said it was confirmed that the product conformed to Automated Gas Oil (AGO), and that the accused were unable to produce a genuine licence from the DPR authorising them to deal in the product.

    Oyedepo said the vessel was owned by a company called D Dove Oil and Maritime Services Limited with its registered address at Plot 2, Lateef Jakande Road, Agindingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.

    According to him, following further enquiry, the company’s directors hurriedly relocated to an unknown destination.

    The commission said the other suspects in the case were still at large, adding that in view of the public interest and mood of the nation, it would be safe to put the accused persons in protective custody.

    Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned till July 28 for ruling on the bail application.

  • NSCDC intercepts vessel, crude oil

    NSCDC intercepts vessel, crude oil

    •One suspect arrested 

    A vessel loaded with bagged petroleum products has been intercepted by the Bayelsa command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    A suspect, Munemene Ziba, was arrested in connection with the vessel, which was laden with sacks of oil described within the creeks as “a condom system” of transporting crude oil.

    The state Commandant, Desmond Agu, said the suspect claimed to be a member of the anti-vandalism task force on oil theft in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

    Agu spoke at the weekend shortly after receiving the Commissioner of Police, Valentine Ntomchukwu and Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Air Vice-Marshal Umar Omeiza.

    “He claimed to be a member of the task force that was set up by the government while he is not a member.

    “I am prosecuting him as an impersonator and for illegal possession of the product. He was caught at the Yenagoa waterside while coming from South Ijaw,” Agu said.

    The commandant said 638 illegal refineries were destroyed in Southern Ijaw by the task force, which was established in partnership with NSCDC.

    He warned persons wearing uniforms of security agencies to desist from such act and called on the police and other security agencies to protect their uniforms.

    Agu said the suspect was caught wearing a vest with an inscription, “SILGA Task Force”.

    He, however, said the suspect confessed that he stole the vest during the rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Southern Ijaw.

    But the suspect claimed that he was arrested at the waterside, adding that he knew nothing about the bagged product.

    “I was caught at the Yenagoa waterside. I was not even inside the boat. I was not driving the boat,” he said.