By Adaku Walter
A Nigerian flagged Motor Vessel, MV VIGEO ADEBOLA, which was reported to be distressed midstream Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) Onne due to operational error has been moved to a better location clear away from the FOT Onne Channel.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) while disclosing this said the vessel had a port list on February 10, 2022 due to the fact that it received potable fresh water from a barge, all in the port fresh water tank.
The agency noted that the vessel owners were able to correct the list on February 13, 2022 by transferring some of the potable fresh water to the starboard side in order to have an even keel.
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Throughout this period, the Surveyors from NIMASA constantly monitored the vessel until the operation was completed and the vessel relocated.
According to the agency, it is noteworthy that at no point was the vessel having a negative metacentric height, as the vessel owners and captains are assured of safety of navigation on the channel.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, gave the assurance that the agency will continue to work with relevant authorities and stakeholders in ensuring the waterways and channels are safe for navigation.
“Let me use this opportunity to assure vessel owners, captains and all stakeholders, of the Agency’s commitment to its mandate, which includes maritime safety, geared towards safety of navigation of vessels in Nigerian territorial waters”, Jamoh said.
