The Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), has given orders for the immediate release of the MT Praisel Vessel, which was detained on suspicion of carrying stolen crude. The decision comes after thorough investigations and tests confirmed that the vessel was indeed carrying the approved High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO) as permitted by the Nigerian Mid-Stream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
During a press briefing on Sunday, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, the Commander of OPDS, clarified the sequence of events. MT Praisel had received approval from NMDPRA to load 1,114,721L of HPFO from Greenmac Energy Storage at Tarus Jetty Koko, valid from July 26 to August 8, 2023. This approval was endorsed by the Nigerian Navy to ensure compliance.
However, on August 2, 2023, Tantita Security Services Ltd, acting on intelligence, suspected that the vessel might be carrying crude oil. They sought the assistance of an OPDS element to board the vessel and confirm the cargo on board. It’s important to note that Tantita and similar pipeline surveillance companies conduct operations jointly with OPDS units based on intelligence.
As a result of the suspicion, the vessel was taken to Escravos Anchorage on August 3, 2023, for verification and investigation. The aim was to uphold transparency and collaboration during investigations related to Crude Oil Theft (COT). It should be clarified that pipeline surveillance contractors like Tantita are responsible for providing credible intelligence to OPDS, but they do not have the authority to independently intercept or arrest any vessel.
Samples of the cargo were then taken on August 3 and 4, 2023, for testing by the Nigerian Navy, Tantita, and NMDPRA. These tests were conducted in accordance with the harmonized Standard Operating Procedures on the arrest, detention, and prosecution of vessels and individuals in Nigeria’s Maritime Environment (2016).
The test results confirmed that the product on board MT Praisel was, indeed, the approved HPFO and not crude oil, as suspected. Admiral Olusegun Ferreira presented a copy of the test result and certificate of quality from NMDPRA, attesting to the consistency of the cargo with the Nigerian Industrial Standard Specification for HPFO. As a result, the Joint Task Force, OPDS, ordered the immediate release of MT Praisel Vessel to continue its operations as per the existing approvals.
Disclaimer
The provided information is intended for general awareness and may not be entirely accurate or up-to-date. The post disclaims any warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the content, services, or graphics on the website. It advises caution when using the information for any purpose.