SEEPCO-built vessel boosts Navy’s maritime security capacity in Niger Delta

Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) has constructed and handed over a Security Support Vessel, SSV-KALI 3, to the Nigerian Navy to strengthen maritime security and protect critical oil and gas assets.

The vessel was commissioned and formally handed over to the Navy on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the Okpai HM Shipyard in Delta State, where it was constructed.

The project was delivered through a partnership between SEEPCO and the Nigerian Navy and aims to enhance surveillance, logistics support, and rapid-response operations in Nigeria’s coastal and offshore waters.

KALI 3 was built locally with the participation of Nigerian engineers, welders, naval architects and technicians, including youths from Niger Delta communities.

According to SEEPCO, the vessel is part of its Security Support Vessel series comprising 10 vessels under International Maritime Organisation (IMO) certification and designed for operations within Sea Area 3 under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

The vessel is ISO-certified and fitted with class-compliant safety and lifesaving equipment.

With an operational autonomy of approximately 10 to 12 days, KALI 3 is designed to support extended missions at sea. Its approximately 2.5-metre draft enables it to operate in shallow waters and creeks, while its rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) support boarding and rapid-response operations.

The vessel is expected to support the protection of crude oil tankers, LNG carriers and offshore supply vessels operating within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas stressed the importance of protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and critical energy assets, particularly the oil and gas sector.

He commended SEEPCO for the initiative and called on other maritime stakeholders to support partnerships to strengthen national security.

Abbas also charged personnel assigned to operate the vessel to maintain professionalism, discipline, integrity and operational readiness.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, described the project as a major milestone for SEEPCO, Delta State and Nigeria.

He said the construction of the vessel in Delta State demonstrated the country’s indigenous industrial capacity, local content development and the potential of public-private partnerships.

“This is an important occasion for SEEPCO, Delta State and Nigeria. We are celebrating not only a new security vessel, but also indigenous capacity, local content and a successful partnership between the private sector and the Nigerian Navy,” he said.

Oborevwori said the vessel would strengthen maritime security, protect oil and gas assets and support efforts to combat oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.

He added that a secure operating environment was necessary to attract investment, sustain production and promote economic growth.

A representative of SEEPCO, Raj Bhargava, said the vessels were being delivered in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy to enhance maritime safety and protect personnel operating on Nigeria’s waterways.

A senior company official said SEEPCO embarked on the vessel-building project as part of its commitment to supporting the Navy and strengthening maritime security.

“As a company whose operations are closely connected to the country’s waterways, we understand the importance of a safe and secure maritime environment to the oil and gas industry, as well as to the communities and economic activities that depend on our waterways,” the official said.

He said the initiative was intended to strengthen the Nigerian Navy’s operational capacity and show how public-private partnerships can help build a more self-reliant maritime sector.