Date extended by five years
NIMASA has extended the phase-out date for single-hull tankers by five years. The new date now is December 31, 2020 as against the initial deadline of 2015 set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
According to the NIMASA , the decision to extend the phase-out date was taken in line with the provision of the IMO, which allows member states who do not have the capacity to replace their existing single hull tanker fleet to extend the phase-out date of certain categories of tankers in their countries, provided the vessels do not engage in international trade.
While noting that over 80 per cent of all Nigerian tankers are currently single hull, NIMASA recognised the factors constraining Nigerian ship owners from replacing all existing single hull tanker fleet by 2015, which necessitated the extension.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, noted that the decision to extend the initial deadline was to sustain the development of the Nigerian maritime industry and enhance the gains of the Cabotage Laws and Local Content Act.
Source: NIMASA
