In the ever-expanding oil and gas sector, the demand for reliable tanker chartering services continues to grow in Nigeria and across West Africa. Whether transporting crude oil, refined petroleum products, or bulk liquids, choosing the right vessel type—Aframax, Suezmax, or Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC)—is critical for efficiency, cost savings, and regulatory compliance.
At Oitha Marine, we specialise in providing seamless oil tanker chartering solutions tailored to the needs of international oil companies, traders, and local operators in Nigeria and the wider West African market.
Understanding Tanker Sizes and Their Benefits
Aframax Tankers in Nigeria
Capacity: ~80,000 to 120,000 DWT
Best For: Short to medium-haul crude and refined petroleum product transport.
Advantage: Ideal for Nigerian ports with draft restrictions.
Suezmax Tankers in West Africa
Capacity: ~120,000 to 200,000 DWT
Best For: Medium to long-haul crude shipments from West Africa to Europe and the Mediterranean.
Advantage: Perfect balance between capacity and accessibility to regional ports.
VLCC Tankers for Global Oil Trade
Capacity: ~200,000 to 320,000 DWT
Best For: Long-haul crude oil shipments from Nigeria to Asia, USA, and Europe.
Advantage: Economies of scale—reduces freight cost per barrel.
Why Charter Through Oitha Marine?
- Local Expertise, Global Reach – Deep understanding of Nigerian and West African maritime logistics.
- Strong Network – Partnerships with shipowners, oil majors, and terminals across Africa, Europe, and Asia.
- Regulatory Compliance – Ensuring vessels meet NIMASA, IMO, and ISPS code requirements.
- Cost Efficiency – Negotiated rates for spot and time-charter contracts.
- 24/7 Support – Real-time voyage monitoring and dedicated client support.
High-Value Use Cases
Crude oil export from Bonny, Forcados, and Qua Iboe terminals.
Refined product distribution across Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Cameroon.
Offshore support for FPSO and deepwater projects.
FAQs on Chartering Oil Tankers in Nigeria & West Africa
- What is the cost of chartering an Aframax, Suezmax, or VLCC?
Costs vary based on vessel type, route, market rates, and duration (spot vs time-charter). Oitha Marine provides competitive quotes aligned with current market conditions.
- Can I charter a tanker for short-term use in Nigeria?
Yes. We offer both spot charters for single voyages and time charters for long-term use.
- Do VLCC tankers call directly at Nigerian ports?
Due to draft restrictions, VLCCs often load via offshore terminals (SBM/CBM) or lightering operations.
- How does Oitha Marine ensure cargo safety?
We only work with tankers that meet IACS classification standards and are fully vetted under OCIMF SIRE inspections.
- Which countries in West Africa can Oitha Marine support with tanker chartering?
Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, Cameroon, Senegal, and Angola.
Final Thoughts
Chartering an Aframax, Suezmax, or VLCC in Nigeria and West Africa requires a partner that understands both local regulations and global oil trading dynamics. Oitha Marine offers the expertise, connections, and reliability you need to optimize your crude oil and petroleum logistics.
Contact: md@oithamarine.com
www.oithamarine.com
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