… Vessel named in honour of late Debola Adesanya, former Sahara Kenya operations leader
… Deployment expected to improve evacuation efficiency, reduce emissions, support production growth
Rashidat O. Okunlade Writes, Lagos
Sahara Upstream, a leading African energy company with a focus on upstream operations, marine logistics, and oilfield services 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 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 Mr. 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 represents 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.
Strategic Deployment at Bonny Anchorage
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.
The deployment is expected to improve turnaround times by enabling shuttle vessels to discharge more quickly and return to loading operations, thereby enhancing evacuation efficiency, increasing throughput, and reducing potential operational bottlenecks.
Sahara Upstream Leadership Comments
Speaking on the deployment, Dr. Tosin Etomi, Chief Value Officer of Sahara Upstream, described MT D Adesanya 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 said.
He 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 maximising 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,” he added.
Sustainability Gains
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 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,” Etomi explained.
He added that the deployment aligns with Sahara’s Beyond XXX vision, which focuses on making bold, future-facing investments that deliver lasting impact.
“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 stated.
A Fitting Tribute
For Sahara, the arrival of MT D Adesanya, following the deployment of FSO Cawthorne and the expansion of innovative oilfield services through Arahas Global Oilfield Services, marks another milestone in the organisation’s commitment to operational excellence, responsible growth, and strategic investments that create long-term value.
Executive Directors, Mr. Tope Shonubi and Mr. 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,” Shonubi said.
“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 added.
For media inquiries, please contact: ROTA Media Concepts
Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
Publisher Editor in-Chief BusinessEcho Magazine Print monthly and ROTAMediaNews digital newspaper publication
08082881578-08060575197
rotamedianews@gmail.com businessechomag@gmail.com
