LAGOS, Nigeria — Sahara Upstream has expanded its crude oil evacuation infrastructure with the deployment of MT D Adesanya, a 380,000-barrel Medium Range (MR) tanker, in a move aimed at improving export efficiency, increasing production capacity and supporting sustainable operations at Nigeria’s Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18.

The vessel, which can hold more than 62,000 cubic metres of crude oil, will operate as an additional mother vessel for OML 18, complementing the existing MT D Bayero and strengthening marine logistics for one of Nigeria’s key upstream producing assets.

Stationed at Bonny Anchorage, MT D Adesanya will receive crude oil from shuttle vessels operating within the OML 18 field before transferring cargo to the Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) Cawthorne facility for export.

According to Sahara Upstream, the additional tanker is expected to reduce turnaround times for shuttle vessels, improve evacuation efficiency, increase production throughput and minimise operational bottlenecks across the offshore logistics chain.

Speaking on the deployment, Chief Value Officer of Sahara Upstream, Dr. Tosin Etomi, described the vessel as a strategic investment that enhances the company’s operational resilience while positioning it for future production growth.

“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 oil and gas infrastructure remain essential to improving Nigeria’s export competitiveness and unlocking greater economic value from the country’s hydrocarbon resources.

“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.

Beyond expanding export capacity, Sahara Upstream said the deployment aligns with its sustainability objectives by improving marine logistics efficiency.

The company said reduced waiting times, better vessel utilisation and shorter idle periods will lower fuel consumption and reduce emissions associated with prolonged offshore operations.

According to Etomi, the investment supports Sahara’s Beyond XXX corporate strategy, which focuses on long-term investments that enhance operational resilience, sustainability and value creation.

“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 said.

The deployment follows Sahara Upstream’s recent commissioning of the FSO Cawthorne facility and the expansion of oilfield service capabilities through Arahas Global Oilfield Services, underscoring the company’s strategy of investing across the upstream value chain to improve operational performance and long-term competitiveness.

Industry analysts say improved crude evacuation infrastructure is increasingly important as Nigeria seeks to raise crude oil production, reduce export bottlenecks and attract fresh investment into its upstream petroleum sector.

The tanker is named after the late Debola Adesanya, who previously led Sahara’s Kenya operations and played a key role in expanding the company’s presence across East Africa before his death on May 1, 2026.

Sahara said the naming recognises Adesanya’s leadership and contributions to the organisation while preserving his legacy within the company’s operations.

Executive Directors Tope Shonubi and Wale Ajibade described the vessel as a lasting tribute to a colleague whose resilience, professionalism and leadership helped shape Sahara’s growth across Africa.

“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.

He added that the deployment symbolises Sahara’s commitment to building strategic energy infrastructure that will continue to support Nigeria’s oil industry, economic development and Africa’s long-term energy future.