Ship seized by US not Nigerian, not registered with us – NIMASA
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has clarified that the Very Large Crude Carrier, MV Skipper, intercepted by the United States Navy over allegations of crude oil theft and other transnational crimes, is not registered in Nigeria.
The agency stated that the vessel, with IMO Number 9304667, is not listed on its registry, adding that the purported owner, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, is not recognised as a licensed shipping company under NIMASA.
In a statement issued by its Head of Public Relations, Edward Osagie, the agency said its attention was drawn to media reports alleging that the vessel was Nigerian-owned.
The statement emphasized that the vessel is not Nigerian-flagged and that an analysis of its movement from the agency’s C4i Centre showed it was last sighted in Nigerian waters on July 1, 2024.
After leaving Nigeria, the vessel reportedly continued on its usual international routes, operating first in the Arabian Sea and later in the Caribbean, where it was eventually intercepted by US authorities.
NIMASA added that the MV Skipper, formerly owned by Triton Navigation Corp, has undergone several name changes over time.
