Sahara Deploys 380,000-Barrel Tanker to Boost OML 18 Crude Evacuation

The new mother vessel is expected to shorten turnaround times, increase throughput and reduce fuel consumption associated with prolonged downtime.

Sahara Upstream has deployed a 380,000-barrel tanker, MT D Adesanya, to expand crude oil evacuation capacity and improve operational efficiency at Oil Mining Lease 18 in Nigeria.

The vessel, with capacity for more than 62,000 cubic metres of crude oil, will operate as an additional mother vessel for OML 18. It will complement MT D Bayero and strengthen the marine infrastructure supporting production from the oil block, according to a statement on Monday.

Stationed at Bonny Anchorage, MT D Adesanya will receive crude from shuttle vessels operating within the field before transferring it to the Floating Storage and Offloading facility, FSO Cawthorne.

Sahara Upstream said the arrangement would enable shuttle vessels to discharge crude more quickly and return to loading operations, helping to improve turnaround times, increase throughput and reduce evacuation bottlenecks.

Dr. Tosin Etomi, chief value officer at Sahara Upstream, described the deployment as an investment in production capacity, operational resilience and long-term value creation.

“The deployment of MT D Adesanya reinforces our commitment to building the capacity required to support sustainable production growth,” Etomi said.

“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 reliable evacuation infrastructure was essential to maximising the value of Nigeria’s energy resources and improving export efficiency.

“By strengthening capacity and improving reliability, we are contributing to greater export efficiency, supporting economic activity and helping to position Nigeria and Africa to unlock even greater opportunities from their energy resources,” he added.

According to Sahara Upstream, the vessel will also support its sustainability objectives by improving marine logistics and reducing vessel idle time.

Etomi said better vessel utilisation, shorter waiting periods and faster crude transfers should reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions associated with prolonged downtime.

The company said the deployment aligns with Sahara’s “Beyond XXX” vision, which centres on long-term investments intended to strengthen the future of energy operations across Africa.

MT D Adesanya was named in honour of the late Debola Adesanya, who led Sahara’s operations in Kenya and contributed to the company’s expansion in East Africa before his death on May 1, 2026.

Sahara Executive Directors Tope Shonubi and Wale Ajibade said naming the vessel after Adesanya would preserve the legacy of a colleague remembered for his resilience, leadership and friendship.

“This vessel ensures that his legacy continues to inspire future generations,” Shonubi said. “Through this strategic asset, Debola’s memory will continue to power progress across Nigeria, Africa and beyond.”

The arrival of MT D Adesanya follows Sahara’s deployment of FSO Cawthorne and the expansion of its oilfield services through Arahas Global Oilfield Services. The company said the investments form part of its strategy to improve operational performance, support responsible production growth and create long-term value.