By Our Reporter
Virgin Forest Energy has berthed MT African Marvel, a 25,000 Metric Tonnes, 160 metres length hull at the company’s Jetty located at its TankFarm facility in Ebugu, Oron Local Government of Akwa Ibom State, south-south Nigeria.
The action marks the first time that a Medium Range (MR) Tanker Vessel will be berthed in Akwa Ibom State.
The arrival of MT African Marvel has elevated Akwa Ibom State to join the ranks of Lagos, Rivers, Cross River and Delta as one of the states with active Maritime industry.
It is expected that the State Government’s drive to attract investment will be greatly enhanced with this development as more Maritime operators can now establish their operational base in Akwa Ibom State.
It is worthy of note to state that it took Virgin Forest Energy Limited and their partners in Ibaka-Oron Petroleum Depot Owners Association (a group of Companies operating logistics, storage and jetty facilities in the shore side of Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State) more than 6 years to dredge the 14km Mbo River Channel from a draught of 3-4 metres to 9-10 metres.
Through these years, the Association engaged 4 different Contractors, at various times, for the Dredging of the Channel and spent over two billion Naira to open a navigation route in Akwa Ibom State that can allow MR Vessels to bring in products and discharge in the State as well as possibly export products from the State (once the necessary export terminal approvals are obtained).
Meanwhile, Virgin Forest Energy Limited has assured residents of Akwa Ibom State and neighboring States of regular supply of petroleum products (PMS, Diesel, Kerosene, Aviation Fuel) at affordable prices, with this completion of dredging of the Mbo River Channel and commencement of direct sailing and berthing of Vessels at its terminal.
At hand to witness this epoch event were the entire Management of Virgin Forest Energy Limited, led by the Managing Director, Lady Nneoma Johnson Chukwu, representatives of all the oil industry regulators including The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) lead by their Zonal Operations Controller for Port Harcourt, Mr. Ineh Goddey.
The event was also broadcast live via Zoom which afforded many people in different parts of the World to join and witness the arrival of the first MR Vessel to Virgin Forest Jetty in Ebugu and by extension the first in the history of Akwa Ibom State.
The company’s Chairman, Mr. Johnson Chukwu speaking at the arrival of the Vessel expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for his unflinching support to the company in the arduous task of opening the Channel.
He also singled out the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Effiong Ekuwem and the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Committee on Foreign Direct Investment, Mr. Gabriel Ukpeh for their exceptional support and assistance, which contributed immensely to the success of the company’s investment in the State.
He equally thanked the good people of Ebugu, the host community, for the warm relationship existing between them and the company.
Mr. Chukwu, also on behalf of the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Virgin Forest Energy Limited thanked the Staff and Management of the company ably lead by Lady Nneoma Johnson Chukwu for their dedication, determination and drive which made this project a reality.
In conclusion, the Chairman, Mr. Johnson Chukwu attributed all the Glory to the Almighty God for His Grace without which the establishment of the TankFarm and Jetty as well as the dredging of the Mbo River Channel would not have been possible.