By Seun Ibiyemi
Sahara Upstream has strengthened crude oil evacuation operations at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 with the deployment of MT D Adesanya, a 380,000-barrel Medium Range (MR) tanker designed to improve operational efficiency, increase export capacity and support sustainable energy logistics.
The vessel, with a storage capacity of more than 62,000 cubic metres of crude oil, will serve as an additional mother vessel for OML 18, complementing MT D Bayero and expanding the infrastructure supporting one of Nigeria’s strategic upstream assets.
Named after the late Debola Adesanya, who led Sahara’s Kenya operations before his death on May 1, 2026, the tanker also serves as a tribute to his contributions to the company’s growth across East Africa.
Stationed at Bonny Anchorage, the vessel will receive crude oil from shuttle tankers operating within the OML 18 field before transferring the cargo to the FSO Cawthorne facility.
Sahara Upstream said the arrangement would reduce turnaround time for shuttle vessels, improve evacuation efficiency, increase production throughput and minimise operational bottlenecks.
Speaking on the deployment, Sahara Upstream’s Chief Value Officer, Dr. Tosin Etomi, described the investment as a strategic move to strengthen the company’s production and logistics capacity.
“The deployment of MT D Adesanya reinforces our commitment to building the capacity required to support sustainable production growth.
By strengthening our evacuation infrastructure, we are enhancing operational reliability, improving efficiency and creating the flexibility needed to support increasing production volumes today and in the future,” Etomi said.
He noted that efficient crude evacuation infrastructure remains critical to unlocking greater value from Nigeria’s oil resources and enhancing the country’s export competitiveness.
According to him, improved marine logistics would also contribute to economic growth by supporting increased exports and positioning Nigeria and Africa to maximise opportunities in the global energy market.
Etomi added that the vessel aligns with Sahara Upstream’s sustainability objectives by reducing waiting times, cutting vessel idle periods and lowering fuel consumption and emissions associated with prolonged marine operations.
He said the deployment also supports the company’s Beyond XXX strategy, which focuses on long-term investments aimed at strengthening operational resilience and advancing Africa’s energy future.
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The latest deployment follows the introduction of the FSO Cawthorne and the expansion of oilfield operations through Arahas Global Oilfield Services, reinforcing Sahara Upstream’s drive to improve operational performance and long-term value creation.
Executive Directors of Sahara Group, Tope Shonubi and Wale Ajibade, said naming the vessel after Debola Adesanya was a fitting tribute to a colleague whose leadership and resilience left a lasting legacy within the organisation.
“Debola was one of the most resilient colleagues and friends we have ever known.
This vessel ensures that his legacy continues to inspire future generations. Through this strategic asset, Debola’s memory will continue to power progress across Nigeria, Africa and beyond,” Shonubi said.
