Today 4th June 2025, Tanker report today highlights rising global crude prices and increasing demand for refined petroleum products, Nigeria’s downstream sector is experiencing mounting operational delays at key coastal depots. The latest Daily Oil and Gas Market Intelligence Report for June 3, 2025, corroborated by the West Africa Product Tankers Report, highlights ongoing congestion and slow tanker turnarounds across Lagos and Calabar ports.
Below is a breakdown of current tanker activities, and official remarks as recorded.
1. LAGOS – AITEO DEPOT
- Vessel Name: OCEAN WAVE 1
- Product: Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
- Quantity: 36,637 metric tonnes
- STATUS: Anchorage
- REMARKS: Next tanker to berth/ discharge
Tanker Analysis
Despite arriving nearly three weeks ago, Ocean Wave 1 remains at anchorage, awaiting discharge instructions. The extended delay reflects port congestion or scheduling conflicts at the AITEO jetty. This delay could impact PMS availability in Lagos if not resolved swiftly.
2. CALABAR – FYNEFIELD DEPOT
- Vessel Name: ST ILHAAM
- Product: PMS
- Quantity: 15,000 metric tonnes
- STATUS: Expected
- REMARKS: Yet to arrive for discharge
Tanker Analysis
ST ILHAAM is en route to Fynefield depot in Calabar, with discharge expected imminently. However, the absence of a confirmed ETB implies the possibility of delay, likely dependent on berth availability and NMDPRA clearance processes.
3. CALABAR – MAINLAND DEPOT
- Vessel Name: VIRGO 1
- Product: PMS
- Quantity: 15,000 metric tonnes
- STATUS: Expected
- REMARKS: Yet to arrive for discharge
Tanker Analysis
Expected to complement PMS supplies at Calabar’s Mainland depot, Virgo 1 has yet to dock. Like ST ILHAAM, it is listed as “expected” without confirmed berthing time, highlighting ongoing uncertainty in terminal coordination.
Tanker Analysis: Industry Contexts & Outlook
The slow movement of these tankers, all still unberthed as of June 3, points to broader logistical issues in Nigeria’s petroleum supply chain. Berthing delays affect not only product availability at depots but also drive up costs for marketers facing demurrage penalties.
Coupled with increasing global oil prices Brent crude opened at $64.83 and closed at $65.48 the situation creates a pressure point for domestic pricing and distribution, especially as deregulated pump prices now mirror import logistics more directly.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is under mounting pressure to fast track approvals and jetty allocations. Stakeholders are urging for clearer discharge scheduling and infrastructure upgrades at private jetties like AITEO and Fynefield to ease traffic at high-traffic locations.
As Nigeria navigates supply bottlenecks and rising energy demand, the efficient berthing and discharge of tankers like Ocean Wave 1, ST ILHAAM, and Virgo 1 remain crucial to ensuring steady fuel availability across the country. Stakeholders and marketers will be watching closely in the coming days for updates on discharge commencement and turnaround completion.