Ostria Vessel Reviews and Specifications

In a significant legal ruling, Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Admiralty Marshal to apprehend the tanker 'Ostria'. The arrest comes amid allegations of its involvement in the illegal diversion of approximately 12,681,960 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), a large portion of which—over nine million litres—was reportedly found to be tainted with water. According to the court's findings, the owners of the 'Ostria' and the associated storage facility displayed negligence, breaching the contract of carriage or bailment obligations. The tanker was accused of discharging the diverted fuel into another vessel instead of delivering the entire consignment to a designated tank farm situated at Koko Port in Delta State. On its way to Koko Federal Port, it is alleged that the ship was refilled with seawater, compounding the misconduct. Notably, the case included Orion Marine Limited, the bareboat charterer, and Taurus Oil and Gas Limited, which operates the storage facility known as Taurus Storage in Koko, as co-defendants. The arrest order stemmed from 'Admiralty Action in Rem' proceedings initiated by NNPC Retail Ltd’s legal representative, Mike Igbokwe (SAN), who sought not just the vessel’s detention but also additional legal remedies due to the disappearance of the valuable PMS. In a comprehensive ruling, Justice Aluko has also tasked the Harbour Master of the Nigerian Ports Authority in Lagos with the responsibility of safeguarding all trading and operational certificates related to the 'Ostria' while the arrest conditions remain unresolved. Moreover, the court has granted permission for the Chief of Naval Staff to ensure the presence of naval personnel on board the detained vessel, or to allocate four of them to maintain security around the 'Ostria'. This measure includes conducting regular patrols and monitoring the ship to prevent any attempt at evading custody until compliance with the court's stipulations is achieved. Finally, the judge instructed the Plaintiff/Applicant to file a formal undertaking as to damages, ensuring the Defendants/Respondents are indemnified in the event that the order proves to be unjustified.

In a significant maritime transaction, the vessels 'Cape Beale' (IMO 40/2005) and 'Cape Brasilia' (IMO 40/2006), both built by Hyundai Mipo in Korea, have been acquired by buyers from Korea in an en bloc sale valued at USD 18 million. This deal marks another notable move in the shipping industry, highlighting the continued interest in Korean-built vessels.