Nigerian Shipowners Absent as Vessels Lift Products from Dangote Refinery

Findings have disclosed that indigenous Nigerian shipowners were not part of the group of vessels at the Dangote Refinery engaged in loading diesel and aviation fuel.

Last week, Dangote Group’s Executive Director, Devakumar Edwin, announced that the refinery was successfully evacuating substantial quantities of fuel by both sea and road, with vessels lined up to load products. Ships reportedly carry a minimum of 26 million liters of fuel, with efforts made to handle vessels carrying up to 37 million liters for smoother operations.

Despite these operations, inquiries made by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that local shipowners were not participating in the product evacuation. When approached for comment, the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) and the Nigerian Ship-owners’ Association (NISA) confirmed the lack of involvement of their members in the refinery’s activities.

Speaking exclusively with the Nigerian Tribune, SOAN President Sunny Eja stated, “Our members are not part of the product lifting currently underway at the Dangote Refinery. We are working with various stakeholders to secure participation opportunities.”

Eja emphasized the complexities involved in crude oil product transportation, stressing the need for proper preparation and resources.

NISA President Sola Adewunmi, contacted via WhatsApp, also confirmed that none of the association’s members were engaged in the refinery operations. “I am currently abroad and have not heard of any of our member vessels involved in the product lifting at the Dangote Refinery,” Adewunmi stated.

The absence of Nigerian shipowners in this major operation at the Dangote Refinery raises questions about potential obstacles in the industry and the potential impact on local participation in large-scale energy projects.