The Ual-Houston: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

LAGOS, July 14 (Xinhua) -- In a bold move, Nigeria's naval forces successfully thwarted an attempted hijacking of the merchant vessel MV UAL HOUSTON near the Bonny Fairway Buoy in the oil-rich Rivers State. This critical incident occurred on Thursday, as confirmed by Nigerian Navy spokesperson Captain Suleman Dahun during a statement in Abuja on Friday. Captain Dahun reported that six suspected pirates managed to board the vessel; however, they were unable to breach the secured areas, including the living quarters, bridge, and machinery room, thanks to the prompt lockdown initiated by the ship's crew. Upon the arrival of a naval patrol boat, the pirates abandoned their hijacking attempt and fled the scene. Fortunately, preliminary investigations indicated that the crew members were not harmed, and no property was reported stolen during the incident.

On July 13, 2023, at approximately 07:45 AM, the UAL Houston fell prey to a band of six pirates off the coast of Nigeria, specifically near Port Harcourt in coordinates 04 07N 007 00E. In a display of remarkable bravery, the ship's crew quickly secured themselves within the superstructure of the vessel. Their swift actions thwarted the hijackers' attempts to seize control, as the pirates were unable to breach the living quarters. Ultimately, the assailants fled the scene without taking any valuables, leaving the crew unharmed and the ship intact. This incident underscores the persistent threat of piracy in the region and highlights the importance of effective crew safety measures.

In a groundbreaking milestone for Namibia's oil and gas sector, a ship-to-ship (STS) operation was successfully conducted in Walvis Bay on Sunday. This operation marks the first of its kind in the region, highlighting the increasing complexity and capabilities of maritime logistics in the industry. The operation involved the meticulous transfer of 53 riser pipes, each weighing an impressive 22 tonnes and measuring 24 metres in length and 1.3 metres in height and width. These components were moved from the drill ship ENSCO DS-7 to the newly built UAL Houston, a vessel operated by Universal Africa Lines (UAL), a specialist break bulk carrier dedicated to servicing the oil and gas sectors. Following the STS transfer, the cargo is being transported to Lobito, Angola, where it will undergo refurbishment. This operation not only underscores the growing importance of STS operations in maritime logistics but also paves the way for future advancements in Namibia's energy capabilities.