The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has lifted ban on 113 vessels from engaging in crude oil/gas loading activities.
In a letter dated September 8, 2015 NNPC explained that 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.
Meanwhile, the President has approved the establishment of an inter-agency committee made up of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Navy, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to investigate the activities of the banned vessels.
Quoting the NNPC report, Plath said: “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 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,” said the NNPC letter signed by the Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, Mr. Mele Kyari.
Request for vessel clearances and documentary instructions must be accompanied by the Letter of Comfort indicating that these ships would not be involved in illegal activity, Kyari added in the letter.
