Crude lifting: NNPC to assist SOAN to acquire tanker fleet

In a bid to ensure the involvement of Nigerian ship owners in the lifting of the nation’s crude oil, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC is to assist the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria, SOAN, to acquire a fleet of tanker vessels.

SOAN President, Greg Ogbeifun

This is even as the SOAN said that it has directed its members to apply to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, for the expected disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, CVFF.

President of SOAN, Greg Ogbeifun, said the involvement of NNPC is to ensure that the right kind of vessels that meet the specification required by the government agency are acquired.

Ogeifun, who disclosed this at the inauguration of the executive council of SOAN, noted that the management of the NNPC has already appointed its General Manager in charge of Marine Logistics, Ibrahim Lamin, to work closely with SOAN on the project.

According to him, “One of our key projects will be to drive to conclusion the establishment of the crude oil tanker fleet working closely with NNPC who is providing support and encouragement. I am pleased to announce that NNPC has appointed the General Manager, Marine Logistics in the person of Mr Ibrahim Lamin as the focal person to work With the SOAN project team towards the actualization of this initiative.”

On the CVFF, the SOAN President said they are also collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Transportation and NIMASA to ensure that the fund is disbursed.