VLCC Operations in
West African Waters

By Calmwaters Maritime Team · Published November 2024

Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) are integral to West Africa's crude export trade — loading Nigerian, Angolan, and Equatorial Guinean crude for delivery to refineries in Asia, Europe, and North America. Understanding the operational constraints, loading terminal capabilities, and commercial dynamics of VLCC operations in West Africa is essential for owners, operators, and charterers active in this trade.

West African Loading Terminals — VLCC Capability

West Africa's crude export infrastructure is predominantly FPSO and offshore single-buoy mooring (SBM) based, rather than onshore jetties. This has important implications for VLCC operations: offshore loading avoids draft restrictions that would limit VLCC access to most Nigerian port berths, but requires competent vessel handling in open ocean conditions and access to appropriate FPSO-compatible manifold and hose arrangements.

Ship-to-Ship Transfer Operations

Ship-to-ship (STS) transfers are widely used in West African VLCC operations to aggregate smaller Aframax and Suezmax parcels into VLCC-sized liftings. The Gulf of Guinea — particularly the designated STS area off the Nigerian coast — is one of the busiest STS locations globally. Competent STS management requires careful weather window planning, mooring master expertise, and compliance with the OCIMF STS Guide.

NIMASA has issued regulations on STS operations in Nigerian waters, requiring prior notification and compliance with environmental protection measures during transfer operations. Port agents with experience in coordinating NIMASA STS notifications avoid delays for owners and operators.

Weather and Swell Considerations

The Gulf of Guinea's swell patterns create operational constraints for VLCC loading. The West African swell — characterised by long-period south-westerly swell generated in the Southern Ocean — can make offshore loading operations hazardous when swell height exceeds operational limits for specific terminals. Seasonal variations in swell intensity should inform voyage planning and loading window selection.

Nigerian Crude Grades — VLCC Commercial Planning

Nigeria's diverse crude production — Bonny Light, Qua Iboe, Forcados, Escravos, and deepwater grades including Agbami, Bonga, and Egina — varies in API gravity, sulphur content, and refinery suitability. VLCC charterers must ensure the vessel is suitable for the specific crude grade and destination refinery requirements, including tank coating compatibility and segregation arrangements for multi-grade liftings.

Efficiency Optimisation for VLCC Operators

Ballast leg optimisation is critical for VLCC economics on West African routes. The ballast passage from Asian discharge ports back to West Africa loading positions represents a significant voyage cost. Operators who can identify short-sea ballast opportunities — partial VLCC loading or backhaul cargo positions — improve utilisation and reduce overall voyage costs.