The Nigerian Navy (NN) has taken into service the first of ten security support vessels funded by private industry to protect critical energy infrastructure and Nigeria’s maritime interests.

The induction ceremony of the SSV Kali 3 was held on 18 August at Asemoku Jetty in Delta State. The ceremony was presided over by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.

The vessel is the first of ten security support vessels (SSVs) being provided by Sterling Oil Exploration Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) under a memorandum of agreement with the Nigerian Navy. The second vessel (Kali 4) is almost complete and ready for launch.

“The initiative reflects a strategic public-private partnership aimed at translating private-sector investment into tangible maritime security capability,” the Nigerian Navy said.

The 40 metre long Kali 3 was designed and built in Nigeria at the Okpai HM Shipyard in Delta State, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, to Bureau Veritas standards. The initiative highlights the growing contribution of indigenous shipbuilding capacity to national security and economic development, the Nigerian Navy said, adding that the vessel is designed for a range of maritime security operations, including coastal and offshore surveillance, interdiction, anti-piracy operations, maritime law enforcement and escort duties. Two RHIBs are mounted for rapid boarding. A draft of 2.5 metres allows operations in shallow waters.

It has an endurance of 10-12 days and will protect crude oil tankers, liquid natural gas (LNG) carriers, offshore supply vessels and other oil and gas assets across Nigeria’s maritime domain. Under the arrangement with SEEPCO, the Nigerian Navy will supply personnel to man and operate the vessels.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of the Naval Staff stressed the importance of securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and critical energy infrastructure in sustaining economic activities, particularly oil and gas operations.

He commended SEEPCO for its commitment to the vessel programme and called on other responsible maritime stakeholders to support initiatives that contribute to national security and the protection of Nigeria’s economic assets.

SEEPCO Vice President, Sandeep Singh, and Raj Bhargava, said SEEPCO began oil exploration in Delta State in 2010, when it depended on third-party barges for crude oil exportation.

“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. Ultimately, the initiative is about strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigerian Navy, supporting maritime security and demonstrating how public-private partnerships can contribute to building a stronger and more self-reliant maritime sector in Nigeria,” SEEPCO said of the SSV initiative.

Abbas said the commissioning of Kali 3 comes at a particularly consequential moment. Since the launch of Operation Delta Sentinel in January 2026, the Nigerian Navy has intensified intelligence-led surveillance, patrols, interdiction operations and inter-agency coordination against crude oil theft and associated crimes across the Niger Delta and its maritime approaches.

“These sustained operations have restricted the freedom of action of criminal networks, improved confidence in production corridors and helped create a more secure environment for legitimate oil and gas activities,” Abbas said.

“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,” said Monday Onyeme, Deputy Delta State Governor. “A secure operating environment is essential for investment, production and economic growth. Delta State therefore remains open for business, and we will continue to work with investors, security agencies and other stakeholders to sustain the peace and security required for businesses to thrive,” he added. (DefenceWeb)