By Stanley Onyeka, Lagos
Sahara Upstream said it has deployed MT D Adesanya, a 380,000-barrel Medium Range (MR) tanker, to enhance crude oil evacuation capacity at OML 18, strengthen operational efficiency and advance sustainability across its marine logistics operations.
The company said in a statement that the vessel, which has a capacity of more than 62,000 cubic metres of crude oil, will serve as an additional mother vessel for OML 18 crude evacuation operations, complementing MT D Bayero and expanding the infrastructure supporting one of Nigeria’s key upstream assets.
Named in honour of the late Debola Adesanya, who led Sahara’s Kenya operations and contributed significantly to the organisation’s growth across East Africa prior to his passing on May 1, 2026.
The vessel is said to represent both a strategic investment in the future of energy and a lasting tribute to a respected colleague whose leadership left an enduring impact across the Sahara ecosystem.
Stationed at Bonny Anchorage, MT D Adesanya will receive crude from shuttle vessels operating within the field before onward transfer to the Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) Cawthorne facility.
It is expected to improve turnaround times by enabling shuttle vessels to discharge more quickly and return to loading operations, enhancing evacuation efficiency, increasing throughput and reducing potential operational bottlenecks.
By strengthening capacity and improving reliability, we are contributing to greater export efficiency, supporting economic activity and helping to position Nigeria and Africa to unlock even greater opportunities from their energy resources.
Speaking on the deployment, Chief Value Officer, Sahara Upstream, Dr. Tosin Etomi, was quoted to have described the vessel as a significant investment in capacity, resilience and long-term value creation.
“The deployment of MT D Adesanya reinforces our commitment to building the capacity required to support sustainable production growth.
“By strengthening our evacuation infrastructure, we are enhancing operational reliability, improving efficiency and creating the flexibility needed to support increasing production volumes today and in the future.”
Etomi noted that investments in critical energy infrastructure play an important role in supporting economic growth across Nigeria and the African continent.
“Efficient evacuation systems are essential to maximizing the value of our energy resources. By strengthening capacity and improving reliability, we are contributing to greater export efficiency, supporting economic activity and helping to position Nigeria and Africa to unlock even greater opportunities from their energy resources.”
Beyond its operational benefits, the vessel also supports Sahara Upstream’s commitment to sustainability by improving the efficiency of marine logistics operations.
“Improved vessel utilisation, reduced waiting time and shorter idle periods translate into a more efficient evacuation system. These gains not only enhance operational performance but also support our sustainability objectives by reducing unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions associated with prolonged vessel downtime,” he explained.
Executive Directors, Tope Shonubi and Wale Ajibade, said the vessel also serves as a fitting tribute to the late Debola Adesanya, whose resilience, leadership and friendship left an indelible mark on the Sahara ecosystem.
“Debola was one of the most resilient colleagues and friends we have ever known. This vessel ensures that his legacy continues to inspire future generations. As we reflected during his funeral, the day you are born, you begin to die, but it is how you live between birth and death that defines how you are remembered. Through this strategic asset, Debola’s memory will continue to power progress across Nigeria, Africa and beyond,” Shonubi said.
