By DECAN
The Nigerian Navy has inducted Security Support Vessel (SSV) KALI 3 to strengthen the protection of critical energy infrastructure and Nigeria’s maritime interests.
This is contained in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Folorunsho said the vessel was inducted on Tuesday at Asemoku Jetty, Delta, during a ceremony presided over by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas.
He said the event was attended by Delta Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers and maritime stakeholders.
The naval spokesman said KALI 3 was the first of 10 Security Support Vessels being provided by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Ltd. (SEEPCO) under a Memorandum of Agreement with the Navy.
According to him, the partnership is aimed at translating private-sector investment into tangible maritime security capability, particularly around critical energy infrastructure.
He added that KALI 3 was designed and built in Nigeria at the Okpai HM Shipyard in Delta, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy.
The development, Folorunsho said, underscored the growing contribution of indigenous shipbuilding capacity to national security and economic development.
In his remark at the induction ceremony, the CNS, Abbas emphasised that protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and critical energy assets was essential to sustaining economic activities, particularly the oil and gas sector.
He commended SEEPCO for its commitment to the initiative and urged other responsible maritime stakeholders to support partnerships that advance national security.
The CNS said KALI 3 was designed to support coastal and offshore security, interdiction, anti-piracy operations, maritime law enforcement and escort duties.
He said the vessel’s capabilities were suited to Nigeria’s complex coastal and shallow-water environment.
Abbas charged personnel assigned to operate the vessel to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, integrity and operational readiness.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that would enhance maritime security and protect Nigeria’s strategic economic interests.
The induction of KALI 3, as the first vessel under the 10-vessel arrangement, represents a convergence of maritime security, indigenous shipbuilding and private-sector investment in support of Nigeria’s economic interests.
