The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has unveiled that the oil rig that capsized at Ovhor in Warri, Delta State, on Tuesday had been operating illegally on the nation’s waters since 2016. In an official press statement issued by Osagie Edward, the Head of Public Relations of NIMASA, the agency revealed that the Majestic Rig, owned by Depthwize Nigeria Limited, had been operating without the required approvals from the regulatory agency.
NIMASA has swiftly responded to the incident by dispatching a specialized team comprising Search and Rescue and marine accident investigation officers to the scene of the incident. The agency’s intervention is in line with its core mandate, which encompasses ensuring safe shipping practices and promoting cleaner oceans.
According to the statement, initial investigations have confirmed that the ill-fated Panama Flagged Rig had been operating in Nigerian waters since 2016 without the necessary regulatory approvals from NIMASA. The rig, classified by ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), was an inland water drilling barge with a length of 232 feet and a rated drilling depth of 30,000 feet. The incident occurred during its transportation from N04, 30:34 / E00543:57 to Ovhor 21, which is part of the SEPLAT Oil field in Delta State.
NIMASA has taken proactive measures to assess the environmental impact of the incident. The agency has engaged with the Clean Nigerian Associate, a consortium of International Oil Companies (IOCs) responsible for managing Tier 2 oil spills, to ascertain the extent of the spillage at the incident site. Additionally, NIMASA is in communication with SEPLAT Energy Limited, the charterer of the ill-fated rig. SEPLAT is expected to officially report the incident within the stipulated 24-hour period in accordance with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 2007.
This revelation by NIMASA underscores the importance of adherence to regulatory guidelines and safety standards in the maritime sector.
