There are estimates that Nigeria could be losing up to US$65 million a year due to the ban placed on the country's ship bunkering activities, reported the Nigerian National Mirror.
Bunkering is a legal exercise around the world in the shipping industry and is regularly practised, it is the system of a ship that is berthed purchasing all the fuel, food and other resources that it will need for its entire service before calling at the next port, the Nigerian Navy is enforcing the ban.
Basil Uba, Managing Director of Delta Marine Shipping Company, said: “All over the world, ship bunkering is a legitimate practice whereby the vessels seek to replenish their stock of fuel, grease, lubricants and other related materials before sailing into the sea since such services cannot be rendered while the vessels is mid sea.
“It is a common knowledge that the Nigerian Navy, which is saddled with the responsibility of securing the nation’s territorial waters, has so many vessels and platforms of various sizes and configuration. The question one has to ask is how does the Navy bunker its fleet?”
Earlier in September, 2016 PTI reported that Nigerian ports were determined to tackle the congestion issues which were reportedly stifling operations by investing in automation.
