The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has clarified that the Very Large Crude Carrier, MV Skipper, intercepted by the United States Navy over allegations of crude oil theft and other transnational crimes, is neither Nigerian-owned nor registered in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by its Head of Public Relations, Edward Osagie, the agency said the vessel, identified by IMO Number 9304667, does not appear on NIMASA’s ship registry. It also noted that the company reportedly linked to the vessel, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, is not recognised as a licensed shipping company under the agency.
NIMASA said its response followed media reports suggesting the ship was Nigerian-owned. The agency stressed that the MV Skipper is not Nigerian-flagged and has no registration ties to the country.
According to data from NIMASA’s C4i Centre, the vessel was last sighted in Nigerian waters on July 1, 2024. After departing Nigeria, it reportedly continued its regular international operations, sailing through the Arabian Sea before moving to the Caribbean, where it was eventually intercepted by US authorities.
The agency further disclosed that the MV Skipper, previously owned by Triton Navigation Corp, has undergone multiple name changes over the years.