NNPC LIFTS BAN ON TANKERS.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has lifted its ban on 113 vessels from engaging in crude oil/gas loading activities in any of the terminals within the nation’s territorial waters. The letter, dated September 8, said President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the consideration of all incoming ships subject to a letter guaranteeing that they would not be used for any illegal activity. It also stated that the President had approved the establishment of an inter-agency committee made up of the Department of State Services, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Navy, Department of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to investigate the activities of the banned vessels within Nigerian territorial w “The President has graciously approved the consideration of all incoming vessels into the Nigerian territorial waters subject to receipt of a Letter of Comfort from all terminal operators and off-takers of Nigerian oil and gas as guarantee that nominated ships are free and will not be utilised for any illegal activity whatsoever,” the letter, issued by the NNPC and seen by Platts, said. “The President has directed the review of activities of all the affected ships to determine the culpability or otherwise in illegal operations within our territorial waters,” the NNPC letter signed by the Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, Mr. Mele Kyari read. The ban was imposed by the NNPC on July 15 this year without citing any reasons. A document signed by the Group General Manager Mr Gbenga Komolafe said, “The NNPC has prohibited 113 tankers from engaging in crude oil/gas loading activities in any of the terminals within the Nigerian territorial waters until further notice.” “Finally, enforcement of the above directives takes immediate effect pending a notice to the contrary by the government” the NNPC stated. The ban was interpreted by market participants as having been imposed to curb illegal shipping of crude out of the country. “It is a welcome move because many ships were not calling at Nigerian ports due to the ban,” a dirty tankers broker in North Asia was quoted as saying.