The United States Coast Guard and Navy have intercepted a Nigerian-owned supertanker, ‘Skipper,’ over allegations of crude oil theft, piracy, and other transnational crimes.
The Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) is reportedly owned by Nigeria-based Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd. and was illegally flying the Guyanese flag at the time of its arrest. US authorities, with an announcement from President Donald Trump, stated the vessel is also being investigated for transporting hard drugs and having possible links to Iranian money-laundering networks.
Reacting to the seizure, maritime experts in Nigeria expressed concern. Engr. Akin Olaniyan, President of the Centre for Marine Surveyors, stated it points to a “weak” Port State Control regime if the vessel departed from Nigeria. The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said it had no official information on the incident.
Disclaimer:
This report is based on U.S. government announcements and Nigerian maritime industry reactions. The allegations are under investigation, and the vessel’s owners have not issued a public statement.
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