Sahara Upstream has strengthened its crude oil evacuation capacity with the deployment of MT D Adesanya, a 380,000-barrel Medium Range (MR) tanker, in a move aimed at improving operational efficiency, increasing production reliability and advancing sustainability across its marine logistics operations.

The vessel, with a capacity of more than 62,000 cubic metres of crude oil, will serve as an additional mother vessel for crude evacuation at OML 18, complementing MT D Bayero and expanding the marine infrastructure supporting one of Nigeria’s strategic upstream assets.

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Named in honour of the late Mr. Debola Adesanya, who led Sahara’s Kenya operations and played a key role in the company’s expansion across East Africa before his death on May 1, 2026, the tanker is both a strategic investment in energy infrastructure and a tribute to a respected leader whose contributions left a lasting impact across the Sahara Group.

Stationed at Bonny Anchorage, MT D Adesanya will receive crude oil from shuttle vessels operating within the OML 18 field before transferring the cargo to the FSO Cawthorne facility. The additional capacity is expected to shorten turnaround times by enabling shuttle vessels to offload more quickly and return to loading operations, thereby improving evacuation efficiency, increasing throughput and reducing operational bottlenecks.

Chief Value Officer of Sahara Upstream, Dr. Tosin Etomi, described the deployment as a major investment in operational resilience and long-term value creation.

He said the new tanker reinforces the company’s commitment to building the infrastructure needed to sustain production growth while enhancing operational reliability and flexibility.

“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 said.

He noted that investments in critical energy infrastructure are essential to unlocking greater economic value from Nigeria’s oil and gas resources and supporting broader growth across Africa.

According to him, efficient crude evacuation systems are vital to maximizing the value of energy resources, improving export efficiency and creating new opportunities for economic development.

Etomi also highlighted the vessel’s contribution to Sahara Upstream’s sustainability objectives, explaining that improved vessel utilization, reduced waiting times and shorter idle periods would lower unnecessary fuel consumption and reduce emissions associated with prolonged downtime.

“Improved vessel utilization, reduced waiting times 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 said.

He added that the deployment aligns with Sahara Group’s Beyond XXX vision, which emphasizes strategic investments designed to build long-term resilience and create lasting value.

“Beyond XXX is about investing today for the opportunities of tomorrow. MT D Adesanya reflects that mindset. It strengthens our current operations while building the resilience, capacity and sustainability required to support the future of energy in Africa,” he added.

The company said the arrival of MT D Adesanya follows the deployment of FSO Cawthorne and the expansion of oilfield solutions through Arahas Global Oilfield Services, representing another milestone in Sahara Upstream’s drive for operational excellence, responsible growth and sustained investment in critical energy infrastructure.

Executive Directors Mr. Tope Shonubi and Mr. Wale Ajibade said naming the vessel after the late Debola Adesanya reflects the company’s desire to preserve the legacy of a colleague whose leadership, resilience and dedication helped shape Sahara’s operations across Africa.

Shonubi described Adesanya as one of the most resilient colleagues and friends within the organization, saying the vessel would ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.

“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,” he said.