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Update – a further letter from Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (‘NNPC’). Göteborg: 29 September 2015 A second letter from NNPC, dated 8 September 2015, addressed to the Terminals in the Nigeria, refers to their earlier letter of July banning 113 vessels but goes on to refer to the President having “approved the consideration of all incoming vessels into the Nigerian waters”. It has been suggested this means the ban has been lifted. It is difficult, however, to read this as a lifting of the ban or an assurance that the 113 vessels will actually be allowed to enter Nigerian waters. Since the letter also refers to ongoing investigations there also remains the risk that, even if allowed to enter Nigerian waters, a vessel might not be allowed to leave. With forfeiture of the vessel and life imprisonment of the crew as penalties, in the event that Nigeria determines a ship has been involved in illegal activities, the risks remain great. Intertanko continues to advise its members against taking any vessel on the banned list either into Nigerian waters or into its EEZ. Until the position has been clarified further, the Club agrees with that advice. Earlier information on: Prohibition of crude oil vessels from Nigerian waters The Swedish Club press release |
