Alleged illegal bunkering: Owners of seized vessel express concern over delayed investigation
Newcross Exploration and Production Limited has expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in the clearance of its MT Prestigious vessel by the Nigerian Navy.
The vessel was apprehended on May 2, 2024, by a Niger-Delta group, the Niger Delta Renaissance Network, on allegations of illegal bunkering.
Although the group claimed the Navy had released the ship, Newcross Exploration and Production Limited clarified that the vessel was still under Navy surveillance in Bonny, Rivers State.
The company’s Managing Director, Victor Soje, highlighted the significant financial implications of the delay to include: suspension of over 100,000 barrels per day in crude oil production;
suspension of gas delivery for domestic and export supply (including NLNG) and disruption of terminal operations and lifting programs due to low stock inventory
The company said these impacts affected key stakeholders and operators relying on this evacuation solution
In an update to the National Security Advisor, Chief of Defense Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and the Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Limited, the company explained that the “IGP Illegal Bunkering Team (“Operation Tantita”) visited MT Prestigious on May 2, 2024, and alleged illegal bunkering activities based on reports.
“However, no clear evidence of the allegations was shared, written testimony was taken from the MT Prestigious Captain, Donna Spectre (barging vendor) representative, and NewcrossEP representative confirming the vessels only purpose is to convey crude to Bonny Terminal SBM3.
“Subsequently, a request was made to collect cargo samples for finger printing which cannot be granted without NUPRC written approval and the presence of an independent laboratory.
“On Saturday, May 4,2024, Navy was directed to suspend our operations on MT Prestigious WD and MT Montagu pending the conclusion of the investigation.
“We wish to state that NewcrossEP is ready and willing to cooperate with any relevant and legal authority as to the integrity of the barging solution.
“However, we urgently seek the intervention of NUPRC on the IGP Team to ensure that due process is followed and this threat to our operations can be quickly resolved considering the critical role we play in generating value for the nation.
” We eagerly await your intervention into this investigation to ensure we do not lose significant value for the nation”.
When contacted, Nigerian Navy Director of Information, Commodore Aiwiyor Adams-Aliu, confirmed that the vessel was still in Navy’s custody.
