Rainoil Limited has strengthened its petroleum distribution capacity with the reception of MT Princess Oge, a 45,000-metric-ton oil product tanker that berthed in Nigerian waters on Wednesday.

The Japan-built vessel, which has a deadweight tonnage of 45,996MT, successfully discharged 20,000MT of petrol at Rainoil’s Ijegun depot in Lagos during its maiden voyage.

Speaking at the reception ceremony, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, Group Managing Director of Rainoil, said the acquisition marked a milestone for the company and a major contribution to Nigeria’s downstream and maritime sectors.

“The acquisition and reception of MT Princess Oge is not just about expanding our logistics capacity. It represents a long-term investment in Nigeria’s maritime and downstream sector,” Ogbechie said.

“It reflects our belief that private sector players must take the lead in building infrastructure to safeguard the country’s energy security. At Rainoil, we remain committed to strategic investments that will strengthen Nigeria’s energy value chain, making it more robust, reliable, and globally competitive.”

Ogbechie noted that the vessel’s arrival demonstrates Rainoil’s ability to ensure a steady nationwide supply of petroleum products, particularly at a time when energy logistics remain critical to the economy.

Mrs. Ese Erokoro, Group Head of Retail Sales, emphasised the vessel’s role in enhancing Rainoil’s supply chain efficiency.

“This further demonstrates Rainoil’s commitment to being a leading energy company in Nigeria. This achievement reflects our continuous pursuit of operational excellence. We are pleased to welcome the vessel into Nigerian waters and pray for her safe voyages,” she said.

The event was attended by senior Rainoil executives, including Group Chief Financial Officer Mrs. Uche Umeh, Retail Executive Ms. Oge Ogbechie, and Trading Manager Mr. Larry Onwochei.

With MT Princess Oge, Rainoil joins the ranks of indigenous companies investing in large-scale maritime assets to boost petroleum product distribution, signalling growing private sector participation in Nigeria’s quest for energy security.