Towage services operation unhindered in Warri Port – Stakeholders

Provisions of adequate and safe towing services remain unconstrained as merchant vessels continue to sail freely in and out of the Warri Pilotage District.

Investigation shows that the Tug boat Mt ZikClinton, could hardly finish the task of assisting a laden Tanker Vessel out of the pilotage district last Saturday, when preparation for the arrival of MT Zonda being expected from Escravos, was kickstarted.

A port operator, Benedict Ugonna, told our correspondent that all the towage firms operating in the Warri Pilotage District; including SEAWAYS (Warri), ZIKCLINTON (Warri),  AKASSA SUPPORTER (Sapele/ Koko) and the SOUTH PARK (Sapele/ Koko), were doing well

While commending the Mohammed Bello-Koko led Management of Nigerian Ports Authority for providing the enabling environment, Ugonna said that stakeholders now hold the view that the NPA Management is committed to making the eastern ports shipping -friendly.

“Their resolve to service delivery and operational efficiency aimed at making the eastern ports vibrant is becoming more believable,” he said.

His view was collaborated by a staffer of Zidon Engineering Services Ltd, another third party towage service provider engaged by the NPA.

The Zidon senior officer, who preferred to speak anonymously, said: “We are fully on course, our services are being provided as and when due”. He disclosed that his outfit had handled many vessels within February alone.

He claimed that his firm on February 2, towed MV Princess Maria to Julius Berger Jetty (Warri); and MT Keonamex Victory inwards Pinnacle Jetty (also in Warri).

While outwardly, he said they handled the MT Diddi from AYM Shafa Jetty (Warri). Also, MT Matrix S ILU was outwardly processed to Matrix Jetty (Warri) on February 5, 2022.

Similarly, MT Tornado was processed outwardly from Matrix Jetty (Warri) and MT Keonamex Victory from Pinnacle Jetty (Warri).

On 7th February, the MT Matrix S ILU sailed from Matrix Jetty (Warri). He recalled that on February 11th,  MT ST Amrah inwardly berthed at Pinnacle Jetty (Warri). Three days later, on February 14, the day globally declared as Valentine’s Day, MT Ocean III berthed at Pinnacle Jetty (Warri). On the 15th February, the MT Matrix S ILU berthed at Matrix Jetty (Warri).

Earlier, two vessels had sailed out of Warri: MV Princess Maria on the 13th February, from Julius Berger Jetty (Warri); while MT ST Amrah sailed from Pinnacle Jetty (Warri).

Furthermore, MT Ocean III actually sailed out from Pinnacle Jetty to Bennett Island on February 17; MT Matrix S ILU and MT Jane Asphalt sailed from Matrix Jetty (Warri) and Intels Jetty (Warri), during the same period.

He also revealed that three vessels made inward berthing: MT Matrix Asa which berthed at Matrix Jetty (Warri); MT Diddi that berthed at AYM Shafa Jetty (Warri); and MT Tornado that berthed at Pinnacle Jetty (Warri), all on the 18th of February.

According to him, “our operations is going very well at the Warri Pilotage District, however I know our capacity can handle more traffic should the opportunity arise,” he boasted.

Efforts to get reactions from the NPA General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ibrahim Nasiru, was unsuccessful as his phone wasn’t responding.

However, over the weekend, it was further learnt that two vessels: MT Safesea Neha III and MT Matrix Pride were assisted to berth at Pinnacle Jetty (Warri), and Matrix Jetty (Warri); while outwardly, MT Diddi and MT Matrix Asa sailed from AYM Shafa Jetty (Warri) and Matrix Jetty (Warri), without any incident or cause for concern.