MT PRAISEL: Navy Orders Release of Vessel Arrested by Tantita For Oil Theft

The Nigerian Navy has ordered the release of the MT Praisel vessel arrested by operatives of Tantitat Security Services Limited.

Daily Report Nigeria reports that an immediate release of the vessel to continue its operations in line with extant approvals was ordered on Monday morning.

This was revealed by Navy spokesperson, Commodore Ayo-Vaughan.

According Vaughan, the order was issued after a fifth laboratory analysis carried out by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) confirmed that product to be High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO).

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The MT Praisel was arrested in the Koko area of Delta State by Tantita on August 2, 2023 following suspicion that the product conveyed by the vessel could be stolen crude oil.

READ ALSO: Again, Tantita Intercepts Vessel With Stolen Crude Oil in Delta

While the true nature of the suspected product brewed controversy between the Navy and Tantita, the vessel was taken to Escravos anchorage on August 3, 2023, for verification of the product and other investigations.

Revealing its findings on August 5, 2023, the Navy said the product onboard the vessel was HPFO approved by the NMDPRA, and not stolen crude oil.

According to the Navy, the confirmation was made after a laboratory text by all relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).