Newcross Exploration and Production Limited (NewcrossEP) has asked the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to intervene in an investigation by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) into allegations of illegal bunkering activities.

The company’s operations have been suspended as a result of the investigation.

According to a statement signed by the company’s Managing Director, Victor Sodje, the IGP team had received reports alleging illegal bunkering activities involving a vessel with an IMO number matching MT Prestigious WD, the 2nd mother vessel deployed in Bonny to support NewcrossEP’s barging operations under the NewcrossEP.

While no concrete evidence was presented to substantiate the allegations, the MT Prestigious Captain, Donna Spectre (representative of the barging vendor), and a representative from NewcrossEP provided written testimony confirming that the vessel’s sole purpose is to transport crude to Bonny Terminal SBM3.

Following the visit, a request was made to collect cargo samples for fingerprinting, which could not be granted without written approval from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the presence of an independent laboratory.

He explained that in response to the situation, on Saturday, May 4th, the Navy was said to have been directed to suspend operations on both MT Prestigious WD and MT Montagu pending the conclusion of the investigation.

Sodje emphasised its readiness to cooperate with any relevant legal authority to ensure the integrity of its barging solution.

He, however, appealed to the NUPRC to intervene in the investigation to ensure due process is followed and to swiftly resolve the threat to its operations, considering the critical role it plays in generating value for the nation.

Meanwhile, the potential impact of the delay outlined in the statement include the suspension of over 100kbopd in crude oil production, disruption of gas delivery for domestic and export supply (e.g., NLNG), and disturbance of terminal operations and lifting programs due to low stock inventory. These consequences represent the interests of key stakeholders and operators reliant on this evacuation solution.

He concluded the statement by expressing his eagerness for intervene in the investigation to prevent the loss of significant value for the nation.

Vanguard News