A Nigerian-flagged ship, MV VIGEO ADEBOLA which was reported to be distressed midstream off the Federal Ocean Terminal in Onne, Rivers state due to operational error, has been moved to a better location away from the FOT Onne Channel.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and signed by Assistant Director, Public Relations, Mr Osagie Edward, MV Vigeo Adebola had a port list on February 10, 2022 due to the fact that it received potable fresh water from a barge and it received all in the port fresh water tank.
According to NIMASA, the vessel owners were able to correct the list on February 13, 2022 by transferring some of the potable fresh water to the starboard side in order to have an even keel.
Throughout this period, the Surveyors from NIMASA constantly monitored the vessel until the operation was completed and the vessel relocated, the statement added.
Read Also: Senate Passes Bill For Establishment Of Maritime Security Trust Fund
“It is noteworthy that at no point was the vessel having a negative metacentric height and vessel owners and captains are assured of safety of navigation on the Channel”, the statement added.
Speaking on the development, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, gave the assurance that the agency will continue to work with relevant authorities and stakeholders in ensuring the waterways and channels are safe for navigation.
“Let me use this opportunity to assure vessel owners, captains and all stakeholders, of the agency’s commitment to its mandate, which includes maritime safety, geared towards safety of navigation of vessels in Nigerian territorial waters”, Jamoh said.
The VIGEO ADEBOLA (IMO: 9355989) is a Supply Vessel that was built in 2006 and is sailing under the flag of Nigeria.
Kindly like us on Facebook
