Sahara Upstream honors late executive with deployment of new vessel, cutting turnaround times and supporting production growth.
In a major move to expand its marine logistics capacity, Sahara Upstream has deployed a new 380,000-barrel Medium Range (MR) crude oil tanker, the MT D Adesanya, to boost crude evacuation operations at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18.
The deployment is designed to significantly enhance operational efficiency, increase throughput, and advance environmental sustainability across the asset’s logistics footprint.
Expanding Infrastructure at OML 18
With a capacity exceeding 62,000 cubic meters, the MT D Adesanya will serve as an additional mother vessel at the field. Stationed at Bonny Anchorage, it complements the existing MT D Bayero to bolster one of Nigeria’s vital upstream assets.
Under the new operational workflow, the vessel will receive crude directly from field shuttle vessels before executing onward transfers to the Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) Cawthorne facility. This move is expected to accelerate turnaround times as it enables shuttle vessels to discharge faster and return to loading operations swiftly. It will also help to maximize throughput as smooth evacuation leads to an increase in production volumes.
Strategic Value & Environmental Sustainability
Speaking on the deployment, Dr. Tosin Etomi, Chief Value Officer at Sahara Upstream, highlighted the broader economic and environmental impacts of the asset.
“The deployment of MT D Adesanya reinforces our commitment to building the capacity required to support sustainable production growth,” Etomi stated.
“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 emphasised that efficient evacuation systems are essential to maximizing Nigeria’s energy resources and fostering broader economic growth across Africa.
Furthermore, the operational gains directly support Sahara Upstream’s sustainability targets. By minimizing waiting times and idle periods for vessels, the company expects to curb unnecessary fuel consumption and lower marine carbon emissions.
Alignment with ‘Beyond XXX’ Vision
The addition of the MT D Adesanya follows other major milestones for the group, including the deployment of the FSO Cawthorne (in 2025) and the expansion of oilfield services through Arahas Global Oilfield Services.
According to Etomi, these strategic moves align directly with Sahara’s “Beyond XXX” vision—a corporate initiative centered on making forward-looking investments that yield long-term, sustainable value for the African energy sector.
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Honouring a Lasting Legacy
Beyond its operational role, the vessel carries profound emotional significance for the company. It is named in honour of the late Mr. Debola Adesanya, who spearheaded Sahara’s East African expansion from Kenya before his passing on May 1, 2026.
Sahara Executive Directors Mr. Tope Shonubi and Mr. Wale Ajibade paid tribute to their late colleague, describing the strategic asset as a permanent symbol of his leadership and resilience.
“Debola was one of the most resilient colleagues and friends we have ever known,” Shonubi said. “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.”
The deployment comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector as operators seek to optimize evacuation infrastructure to meet production targets and enhance export capacity. With the MT D Adesanya now operational, Sahara Upstream is positioned to support increasing production volumes while maintaining its commitment to operational excellence and sustainability across its energy operations.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X