BY GODWIN ORITSE

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has concluded moves to commence Ship To Ship (STS) transfer of petroleum products and other cargoes at designated points on the nation’s waterways

Under the new arrangement, comprehensive identification and information of such vessels would have to be carried out and such details documented for security reasons.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting on “offshore petroleum products Ship to Ship and Ship to Rig operations” which took place at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa recently, NPA’s General Manager, Marine, Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu, said management would provide designated points in Lagos, Warri, Calabar and Bonny Channels for that purpose, adding that efforts were in top gear to produce a new chart of the port channels to assist management in ensuring strict monitoring of vessels calling at the Nigerian Ports.

He warned that all Mooring men who were defiant and were in the habit of breaking the laws should be prepared to face stern disciplinary action. He said that the NPA has remained focused and responsive to the challenges facing the management of the Port Channels, and reiterated that all ships coming into or leaving the country must be identified and details of such vessels properly documented.

Ebubeogu also disclosed that in furtherance to the management’s efforts towards enhancing maritime security, NPA would soon purchase three security boats which would be deployed to different locations where such services are required. He remarked that as part of management’s proactive measures to combat maritime insecurity, NPA would soon shift its distress and emergency response facilities from Beecroft to a location within Takwa Bay to allow for faster response for such distress calls from the Nigerian waters.

Ebubeogu further stated that in order to effectively carry out this regulation, the NPA management has engaged the services of Mike Lely, a Mooring agent, who would now coordinate the activities of ships at such designated locations.