Navy Inducts Made-in-Nigeria Vessel To Strengthen Maritime Security, Oil Production
The Nigerian Navy has entered into a strategic partnership with Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) to strengthen maritime security, protect critical oil and gas infrastructure and support increased crude oil production.
The partnership will see SEEPCO provide 10 private maritime logistics vessels, with naval personnel deployed aboard the vessels to support security operations across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, disclosed this on Wednesday during the induction ceremony of SEEPCO’s SSV-KALI 3 security patrol and support vessel at Yade Barge, Niger River Bank, Asemoku Jetty, Okpai, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State.
Abbas described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the benefits of collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and the private sector in securing the country’s maritime environment and protecting critical energy assets.
He said KALI 3 was the first of 10 vessels planned under the partnership, which is governed by a Memorandum of Agreement between the Navy and SEEPCO.
According to him, SEEPCO will provide the 10 vessels, while the Nigerian Navy will deploy personnel aboard them for maritime security operations.
“The partnership allows both sectors to combine their comparative strengths without compromising statutory authority or corporate responsibility,” Abbas said.
The Chief of Naval Staff said the newly inducted vessel was particularly important given the strategic nature of Nigeria’s offshore energy infrastructure, warning that disruptions to such assets could negatively affect government revenue, investor confidence and national development.
He added that the induction came amid intensified naval operations against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes under Operation Delta Sentinel, launched in January 2026.
According to Abbas, sustained surveillance, patrols, interdiction operations and inter-agency collaboration have helped to restrict criminal networks and improve security along oil and gas production corridors.
The SSV-KALI 3, which was fabricated by Yade Barge Operations Limited at Asemoku Jetty in Delta State, is designed for coastal and sea surveillance, interdiction, anti-piracy operations and maritime law enforcement.
The naval chief said the Navy remained committed to working with private-sector stakeholders to deepen maritime security and protect critical national assets.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, described the induction as significant for the state and the country.
The governor said the project demonstrated Nigeria’s growing indigenous capacity, local content development and the value of public-private partnerships.
He expressed particular satisfaction that the vessel was designed and constructed in Delta State, describing it as evidence of the state’s human capital, technical expertise and industrial potential.
Oborevwori said the vessel would contribute to efforts to protect oil and gas assets and combat oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting investors and security agencies in creating a stable environment for businesses to operate, while urging the vessel’s operators to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline and safety.
