INTERTANKO still advises banned takers to avoid Nigeria
According to official statement issued this week by Nigeria’s state oil company NNPC, the ban on 113 tankers effective since July has been lifted.
In a letter, dated 8 September 2015, sent to local terminal operators and oil and gas traders, NNPC states: “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 a guarantee that nominated ships are free and will not be utilized for any illegal activity whatsoever.“
INTERTANKO has made the following comments:
“While some are interpreting this latest letter as a lifting of the ban, we continue to advise against trading to Nigeria any ship on the banned list. The penalties for any alleged contraventions of Nigerian law by these ships are draconian including forfeiture of the ship and life imprisonment of the crew.”
“This latest NNPC letter does represent something of a step change and may even suggest that ALL ships are now welcome in Nigeria provided a letter of comfort’ is received. However, the language of the letter is vague and we do not believe it can be relied on by owners to clear the vessels on the banned list for trade to Nigeria.”
“NNPC officials have indicated that the second paragraph of this letter implies’ that the ban has been lifted, provided a satisfactory letter of comfort is received. However the letter goes on to say that the authorities will be reviewing the activities of those banned ships.”
INTERTANKO said it will follow up with NNPC to clarify whether or not a banned ship may now trade in Nigeria.
