SEEPCO’s Nigerian-made Vessel Signals New Era in Maritime Security
Peter Uzoho On a humid Monday morning at Asemoku Jetty, the water parted and a 40-metre grey-hulled vessel slid forward to meet its name. SSV Kali 3. No imported steel
A 40-meter Nigerian-made vessel, the SSV Kali 3, took to the waters at Asemoku Jetty, signifying a new era in maritime security. The vessel, designed and built by the energy company Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) at the Okpai HM Shipyard in Delta State, marks the beginning of a series of ten vessels under a Memorandum of Agreement with the Nigerian Navy.
SEEPCO's Chief Executive Officer, Raj Bhargava, and the Security Chief, Sandeep Singh, represented the company at the induction ceremony, attended by high-ranking military officials, government officials, traditional rulers, and maritime stakeholders.
SEEPCO's Kali Series of vessels are built to address Nigeria's unique maritime security challenges. At 40 meters long, the Kali 3 is compact enough to navigate shallow channels, yet robust and capable of operating in offshore waters. Her design adheres to international standards, with Bureau Veritas classification and ISO certification, allowing her to operate for up to 10-12 days without needing to return to base.
Equipped with advanced surveillance and communication systems, the Kali 3 is designed for coastal and offshore security, anti-piracy operations, maritime law enforcement, and escort duties, particularly in protecting crude oil tankers, LNG carriers, and offshore supply vessels within Nigeria's maritime domain.
The induction of the Kali 3 represents a practical convergence of maritime security, indigenous shipbuilding, and private-sector investment. By building the vessels locally, SEEPCO is creating jobs in Delta State and demonstrating Nigeria's growing capacity to deliver advanced maritime platforms. With nine more vessels to follow, the 10-vessel fleet will provide the Navy with a distributed presence across the Niger Delta and the wider Gulf of Guinea, helping to address the significant economic losses due to oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
The Navy's commitment to this initiative, as well as the host-community buy-in, signifies a significant step forward in securing Nigeria's maritime environment and critical energy assets.
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