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FG to review oil firms’ plans on gas flaring

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FG to review oil firms’ plans on gas flaring

The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako, said that the ministry, in collaboration with the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, will begin regular reviews of both international and indigenous oil companies’ plans to ensure alignment with the goal of ending routine gas flaring by 2030.

Salako said this in Abuja on Tuesday at the national stakeholders engagement meeting on methane mitigation and reduction in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas with significant warning potential compared to carbon dioxide, poses a major threat to the health and well-being of current and future generations and climate protection goals.

Reducing methane emissions, especially in the oil and gas sector, will strengthen climate action and unlock benefits for public health, food security, and economic development.

Salako said practical steps are being taken to address methane emissions in the country.

He noted that “Collaborative efforts of government institutions have led to the development of methane guidelines. In addition, the Federal Ministry of Environment through the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency will be commencing the periodic review of the plans of international and indigenous oil companies to ensure they stay on course to end routine gas flaring by latest 2030.

“Furthermore, Nigeria is poised to embark on methane reduction projects that will enable Nigeria’s commitment to methane reduction and meeting net zero emissions by 2060. It is, therefore, reassuring to see initiatives such as the project methane mitigation and reduction in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which is being initiated with today’s event.

“This national stakeholders engagement event is expected to serve as a platform to discuss the complexities of methane mitigation and reduction within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Presentations here today will provide insights and overview on existing policies and implementation strategies, including key stakeholders involved in these efforts. Through rigorous research and collaborative efforts, we can identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities for effective national actions.”

The minister stated that President Bola Tinubu is committed to environmental sustainability and climate action in line with the multilateral environmental agreements that Nigeria is party to.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mahmud Kambari, said it is necessary to address methane emissions in the oil and gas industry as the stakes and opportunities are high.

Kambari said, “Let’s harness our collective expertise, innovation, and resources to drive sustainable development, foster economic growth, and enhance energy security in Nigeria and beyond.

“As we engage in today’s discussions, let us be guided with openness and inclusivity. challenge assumptions, and explore creative solutions that align with the principles of equity, justice, and environmental integrity.”

In his remarks, the Executive Director of the Africa Policy Research Institute, Dr Olumide Abimbola, noted that there is a need to address the pressing impacts of methane emissions on climate and environment.

Abimbola, who was represented by Mr Chibuikem Agbaegbu, stated that methane, a potent greenhouse gas, poses a significant threat to both the health of our planet and the well-being of current and future generations.

“Recognizing this urgent need, APRI, in close collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, has embarked on a crucial project focused on methane mitigation and reduction within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“This project, funded by the Government of Canada through Environment and Climate Change Canada, underscores the strategic importance of taking proactive steps to reduce methane emissions. Not only does it align with Nigeria’s climate action commitments, but it also offers opportunities to unlock co-benefits for public health, food security, and economic development, in line with Nigeria’s national and sustainable development goals.

“Today’s event marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts. It provides a platform for stakeholders from diverse sectors to come together, share insights, and chart a unified course towards sustainable methane mitigation and reduction in Nigeria. Through constructive dialogue and collaboration, we aim to identify challenges, explore opportunities, and pave the way for effective and sustained action,” he said.

Fubara dissolves sanitation taskforce, appoints interim head

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Fubara dissolves sanitation taskforce, appoints interim head

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Taskforce on Sanitation with immediate effect.

Though no reason was given for the action, the governor announced the dissolution during a meeting with members of the Task Force and Refuse Contractors at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.

This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Nelson Chukwudi, and made available to journalists.

While noting that the dissolution takes immediate effect, the governor directed his Special Adviser on Environmental Sanitation, Obi Ohia, to take charge of the agency for the time being.

According to the statement, Fubara is also expected to decide on the leadership of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency.

The statement read, “Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced the dissolution of the State Task Force on Sanitation.

“Governor Fubara announced the dissolution during a meeting with the State Task Force on Sanitation and Refuse Contractors in Government House, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.

“The State Chief Executive said that the task force ceases to exist with immediate effect.

“He directed the Special Adviser on Environmental Sanitation, Obi Ohia, to take charge of the agency until the government decides on the leadership of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency.”

Our correspondent reports that the State Task Force on Sanitation was before headed by Isobo Jack, even as he was said to have been present at the meeting with the governor.

It was gathered that many members of the task force inaugurated by the immediate past administration of Nyesom Wike stayed away from the meeting, a development that may have angered the governor.

ECOWAS plans need assessment to assist IDPs, others 

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ECOWAS plans need assessment to assist IDPs, others 

The Economic Community of West African States, on Tuesday, said it would develop a humanitarian needs assessment for the assistance of Internally Displaced Persons, refugees, and asylum seekers within the region.

The Commissioner of Human Development and Social Affairs in ECOWAS, Prof. Fatou Sarr, said this at the regional workshop on the validation of baseline data on humanitarian needs assessment of Persons of Concern; IDPS, refugees, returnees, stateless persons, asylum seekers and communities in Abuja.

Sarr noted that the ECOWAS Commission has constantly developed and reviewed its strategies in collaboration with member states and relevant partners in line with its principal mandate of assisting member states to reduce the suffering of populations affected by humanitarian emergencies and affected communities.

However, the commissioner said according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on displacement, “6,919,306 people were forcibly displaced of which 6,284,384 were IDPs, and 634,922 were refugees  Asylums seekers as of December 2023.

“The UNHCR 2024 report has put the figures of stateless population in the region at over 931, 000.”

She added that the information collated from the region in 2024 showed that population displacement resulting from varied humanitarian events has contributed enormously to the worsening of the humanitarian situation.

The commissioner represented by the Director, Humanitarian and Social Affairs, ECOWAS Commission, Sintiki Ugbe said, “In 2023, the ECOWAS Humanitarian assistance focused on populations affected by severe flood disasters and food insecurity in member Smstates.

“In 2024, the data and information collated from the region have shown that population displacement resulting from varied humanitarian events, especially conflicts, have contributed enormously to the worsening of the humanitarian situation.”

In response to the increasing humanitarian events in the region, Sarr stated that the workshop which involved participants from member states would “come up with appropriate data and information on the needs of populations affected by the identified challenges to further close the response gaps and reduce humanitarian sufferings which if sustained will ultimately close the gap in Humanitarian Development Peace nexus.

“Accordingly, the workshop will focus majorly on addressing the impact of displacement and related humanitarian events on refugees, IDPs, migrants, asylum seekers, and stateless persons as well as host communities in 2024.

“Other factors such as food and nutrition crisis and the prospects in the coming months and expected mortality rate, etc. have also formed the core reasons for ECOWAS’ decision to respond to these segments of the population in need.”

In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel Enitan, said the region has continued to witness severe humanitarian crises exacerbated by conflicts, lack of basic services, and the escalating impacts of climate change.

Enitan represented by the Director, Humanitarian Affairs, Valentine Ezulu, noted, “In the light of the prevailing challenges, characterised by violence, insecurity, armed conflicts, natural disasters and governance issues, it is evident that our region is facing deepening humanitarian crises.

“The impact is not confined to specific areas, affecting neighbouring specific states and exacerbating the plight of vulnerable populations.

“It is imperative that we address these challenges collectively, with a focus on protection, assistance, and sustainable solutions for those in need.”

He advised that as ECOWAS proceeds with the needs analysis, “We must prioritise humanitarian access as a critical lifeline for those ensnared in conflict zones, and emphasize the necessity of protection and assistance for all affected individuals.

“Our actions must be informed by accurate data and a commitment to inclusivity, while acknowledging the persistent gaps despite ongoing efforts by Member States and partners. The urgency of our collective response is paramount to offer comprehensive support to all persons of concern and their host communities, leaving no one behind.”

The 15-nation bloc ECOWAS,  formed in 1975 to promote economic integration in member states,  has struggled in recent years to reverse a wave of military takeovers in the region, including Mali in 2020 and 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Niger last year.

The exit of three countries from ECOWAS threatened the African Continental Free Trade Area aimed at accelerating intra-African trade and boosting the continent’s trading position in the global market.

Earlier, ECOWAS imposed economic sanctions on the countries.

The sanctions were, however, lifted a few weeks ago following the intervention of Nigeria’s ex-military head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon.

The President, ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray said the decisions were taken in the interest of unity and security in the African sub-region.

48 renounce cultism in Ogun, surrender arms

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48 renounce cultism in Ogun, surrender arms

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, on Tuesday, said not fewer than 48 members of various cult groups in the Sagamu area of the state have renounced their membership.

The repentant cultists have also brought forward their firearms to the police for confiscation.

Weapons submitted by the cultists who have promised to turn a new leaf include one pump action gun, four double barrels, seven single barrels, two English pistols, four locally made pistols, and 35 cartridges.

Speaking during the handing over of the firearms to the police at the Akarigbo Palace, Alamutu said the essence of the olive branch being extended to cultists is hinged on giving them a second chance to become better citizens and begin to contribute towards peaceful coexistence in the state.

He explained, “The olive branch we are extending to these cultists is a product of several engagements. We all know the problem we have had in the past with frequent cult clashes causing loss of lives in Sagamu.

“And working with the government and traditional rulers, we kick off this process whereby the cultists will come forward denounce their membership and submit any firearms with them without any punitive measures.

“This is in line with the directive from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who has ordered that the illicit firearms should be mopped up, and even those who have their licences are encouraged to return theirs too.

“We urge the cultists in the state to embrace this golden opportunity. Many of them are already aware that cultism does not pay, so they should come and lay down their weapons because anyone caught when this window is closed will be treated as a common criminal.”

Speaking earlier, the Akarigbo and Paramount ruler of Remo land, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, said the amnesty for the cultists was as result of several engagements and discussion during when many of the cultists regretted their nefarious acts and promised to turn a new leaf.

Oba Ajayi said that “not satisfied with the killings and disturbance of these cultists in the town, the community restrategised and moved against them. The heat was so much that some of them were even forced to leave the town, but they continued to beg, sending emissaries that they were ready to turn a new leaf.

“We have engaged them and told them point-blank that cultism is not the way forward, that they will only ruin their life, ruin their family name and the plans of God for their lives.

“We told them to submit their weapons and stay away from cultism, and we have promised to integrate them into the society. It is an ongoing exercise, and we hope that their colleagues in other parts of Remo land and Ogun State as a whole will draw a vital lesson and follow suit as well. ”

The monarch thanked Governor Dapo Abiodun, security agencies, and the Sagamu Security Committee for working round the clock to ensure the success of the amnesty deal for the former cultists.

Oba Ajayi begged the residents of the Sagamu community to show the repentant cultists love and support and not treat them as outcasts.

US federal agents raid Diddy’s homes

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US federal agents raid Diddy’s homes

Homes belonging to Sean “Diddy” Combs were raided by federal agents Monday, with the United States hip hop mogul at the centre of sex trafficking claims and sex assault lawsuits.

Armed agents from the Department of Homeland Security entered luxury properties on both the East and West Coasts of the United States, with video footage showing helicopters circling overhead and a huge law enforcement presence on the ground.

“Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami and our local law enforcement partners,” the agency said.

A source confirmed to AFP that Combs was the target of the raids.

Media in Los Angeles carried aerial footage of a massive presence at a swanky Holmby Hills residence associated with Combs – an artist and producer also known as Puff Daddy.

Heavily armed agents could be seen all around the sprawling property, with footage showing unidentified individuals being detained at the scene.

Entertainment title TMZ said pictures appeared to show the rapper’s sons Justin and King Combs in handcuffs.

The outlet said it also had footage of a raid on a luxury waterside property in Miami connected to Combs.

There was no immediate official confirmation about what precipitated the raids, but the involvement of Homeland Security in large, coordinated raids in two locations suggests serious allegations.

The development comes with legal pressure increasing on the rapper, who has faced at least four lawsuits from people who say he sexually abused them, with allegations dating back decades.

Last year, Combs was sued by former girlfriend Casandra Ventura, who performed under the stage name Cassie and was signed to his Bad Boy label.

The suit alleged he had forced her to perform sexual acts with multiple men over a number of years in cities across the United States.

The suit said that as a result of stops in these different locations, which necessitated crossing state lines, Ventura was the victim of sex trafficking, a federal offence.

That suit was settled but was followed by others, including one in December by a woman who accused Combs of sexual assault, alleging he and others gang-raped her when she was 17.

Combs and other men, the suit said, plied her with drugs and alcohol before violently raping her repeatedly.

Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer who represents two of the women who have accused Combs of abuse, told AFP on Monday: “We will always support law enforcement when it seeks to prosecute those that have violated the law.

“Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”

Combs has vehemently denied all accusations against him.

Combs, 54, founded the Bad Boy record label in 1993 and was a major figure in hip-hop’s commercialization over the decades that followed. His proteges included the late Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige.

He is among the industry’s billionaires, not least due to his ventures in the liquor industry.

But contrary to the public image of a suave businessman, lawsuits describe Combs as a violent man who used his celebrity to prey on and intimidate women.

AFP

Delta bloodbath: Military should limit aid to civil authority

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Delta bloodbath: Military should limit aid to civil authority

The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd.), has called for further analysis and conversations over the killings of soldiers in Delta State.

A total of 17 military personnel compromising four officers and 13 soldiers were killed by irate youths during a communal clash over a land dispute in Bomadi and Okuoma communities in the state.

The personnel attached to the 181 Amphibious Battalion were responding to a distress call when they were ambushed and killed on March 14.

Speaking during the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference in Abuja on Tuesday,  Irabor said there was no justification for the gruesome manner in which the military personnel were killed.

He noted that to prevent a recurrence, there must be a conversation around limiting aid to civil authority.

He said, “The recent sad occurrence in Okuama where we lost our gallant and very committed officers and soldiers requires further analysis and conversation. Their death in such a bizarre and savagery condition cannot and will never be justified.

“The perpetrators of the heinous crime must be made to face the full wrath of the law. To forestall future occurrences, therefore, there must be further conversation on the limits of aid to civil authority.”

Irabor said the military must avoid the “see-finish” syndrome while embarking on non-kinetic operations.

He noted that it portends danger for the nation should the integrity of the military be impugned.

He said, “As we encourage non-kinetic operations and community engagements, are there limits? Is it an omnibus mandate? Should the military be first responders in situations such as the Okuama/Okoloba crisis? Are there red lines? The AFN must curtail the apparent descent to ‘see finish syndrome’.

“The integrity of the AFN, if at any time is impugned, will mean ominous signs for the nation. I therefore counsel that we remain on the path of professional excellence. This conference should examine the viable options in this regard.”

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, stated that the insecurity in the country was changing, adding that it cannot be addressed in isolation.

He said, “The insecurity in our country is mutating, resilient, and cannot be treated in isolation of the prevailing challenges in the global security environment.

“While pursuing our national security objectives, we must remain wary of the fluid nature of our security environment.”

Musa said there was a need for intelligence sharing and other elements of national power to overcome the insecurity confronting the nation.

He said, “The notable threats, ranging from insurgency, terrorism, separatism, kidnapping, economic sabotage, cybercrime, transnational crimes, and communal conflicts, have continued to dig deep into our national security fabrics.

“These challenges demand a comprehensive approach, one that encompasses not only military action but also other elements of national power. To effectively address these threats, we must emphasise the importance of intelligence sharing and collaboration within and across our joint task forces. ”

Also speaking, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, urged the security agencies to build strong relationships with residents of border communities to adequately protect the country’s borders.

He also called for their inclusion of the nation’s security architecture.

Tunji-Ojo said, “You can only protect people to the extent to which they want to be protected. You need the support of the people, and if the support isn’t there, there is a limit to which you can do.

“There must be Synergy with border communities, and they must be incorporated into our security architecture. “

JUST IN: Court stops Omehia from refunding N696m pension,

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JUST IN: Court stops Omehia from refunding N696m pension,

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has ruled against the demand by Rivers State Government and the state House of Assembly for Sir Celestine Omehia to refund over N696m paid to him as pension and other benefits by the state government till his de-recognition as a former governor.

The court held that Omehia, from proper interpretation of the Governor and Deputy Governor Pension and Fringe Benefits Law, has never been a former governor of Rivers State and should not benefit from the pension as stated under the Pension Law of Rivers State Government.

The presiding Judge, Justice Daketima Kio, in his judgment in a suit filed by Omehia against the Rivers State Governor, the Attorney General of the state, the Speaker and the House of Assembly, however, held that Omehia cannot be made to suffer the wrong of the defendants in the suit.

Justice Kio ruled that from every fact, Omehia never applied to be recognised by the state government and state House of Assembly, hence cannot legitimately demand the money paid wrongly to the claimant since the demand came in a way of counterclaim or cross action in an originating summon.

Justice Kio insisted that the judgment of the Supreme Court which described Omehia as an imposter and pretender stood and that Omehia should not prefer the status of a former governor and should not benefit from the Governor and Deputy Governor Pension Law.

Justice Kio also held that the parties should bear their cost themselves.

Speaking to newsmen outside the courtroom, counsel for the state government and House of Assembly, Success Gilbert, expressed happiness over the judgment, but declined comment on the part that refused the claimant to repay the monies he received, insisting that the government will answer that.

Gilbert said, “Today, the court in its wisdom, held that in the eyes of the law, affirming the decision of the celebrated case of Rotimi Amaechi versus INEC, that Sir Celestine Omehia was never a former governor and should not be accorded that status.

“And therefore, he is not entitled to benefit from the Rivers State Former Governors and Former Deputy Governors Pensions Law and Fringe benefits because he is not entitled and therefore he should not be recognised.

“That is the decision of the court in this matter.”

Asked about his view on the court stopping Omehia from refunding the monies paid to him before his de-recognition, Gilbert, who is also a Senior State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, said it was a sensitive matter that would be left for the state government to decide.

He stated, “I will not want to comment on that considering my position as a civil servant. I’m a government lawyer, so I wouldn’t want to comment on that.

“The matter is quite a sensitive one, and it will be left for the government to decide whichever way, but I keep my opinion to myself.”

Counsel for Omehia, Seraki Orlu, declined comment on the judgment.

Recall that the state House of Assembly led by its Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, had derecognised Omehia as former governor before the 2023 general elections when the latter fell out of favour with the immediate past Governor, Nyesom Wike, for supporting the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

Wike, who had recognised Omehia as former governor during his administration, had a prolonged disagreement with Atiku running into the elections along with four other govenors then known as the G5, all of whom threw their weight behind the candidate of the All Progressives Congress and incumbent President, Bola Tinubu.

Outrage over TikTok videos of cash-flaunting bandits

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Outrage over TikTok videos of cash-flaunting bandits

Viral videos on TikTok, showing bandits flaunting cash purportedly collected as ransom for their victims have ignited widespread anger.

A counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, brought attention to these videos through a series of posts on his X on Monday.

Makama said the account responsible for sharing the videos has amassed over 3,000 followers, some of whom are openly identifying as bandits, proudly displaying firearms and donning military or police uniforms.

He wrote, “Audacity: Bandit on Tiktok flaunting and showing off ransom money he collected from his victims.

“The user of the account has 3,000 followers, some of them are bandits who openly show off their riffle and dressed in military or police uniforms.

“TikTok platform has given room for insurgents to promote their campaign of terror without being restricted”

In response to the videos, social media users have condemned the delayed response and apparent inaction by authorities, demanding improved security measures and a reassessment of law enforcement priorities.

An X user, dataoracle_, said, “If our intelligence system is still working, this is more than enough data to identify, track, arrest, and prosecute these criminals. We have DIA, DSS, NIA, all with significant budgets.”

Another user, mobilisingniger wrote, “The annoying thing is that the video was taken three days ago. There is a video were he was showing where he went to collect ransom from his victim.”

manzodd said, “Honestly, there is something someone is not telling us here. How can bandits collect monies from victims of abduction this much, and the monies cannot be traced, haba. Something is not pure here. There is serious lacuna in this insecurity palaver in our country.”

Kings_Things added, “Openly showing off rifles and flexing on the gram, Nigerian security forces refuse to do anything to apprehend them. Every Nigerian deserves the right to legally own a gun to protect themselves because no one will protect you better than yourself.”

“Tiktok is definitely an irresponsible application for allowing users like this person to thrive on their platform. After successfully banning Binance, the FG should now turn attention to Tiktok, ” X user MBlacktrib3 added.

aamowuN wrote, “Nigerian police spokesman brazenly bragged here that he can locate anyone who called out the Nigerian police on social media within minutes but can’t locate bandit who roams freely on social media. Abi the rule of location does not apply to terrorists?”

“Thinking TikTok is the problem here is crazy. This is an evidence of a failed state. A country that massages ego of terrorists, negotiates (funds them), reintegrates the arrested ones into the society and pays them, then set up armoured vehicles to raze down civilian communities,” #AmaraDeborah1 added.”

 

Police rescue 50-year-old kidnap victim in Benue

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Police rescue 50-year-old kidnap victim in Benue

Policemen in Benue State have rescued a 50-year-old kidnap victim at Tine Nine, Zaki Biam, in the Ukum Local Government Area of the state.

The Commander, Operation Zenda, a joint operation in the state, SP Felix Nomiyugh, disclosed this to journalists in Makurdi on Tuesday.

The commander said his men last Saturday discovered the man in a coma after his abductors had abandoned him, adding that the victim was later taken to the General Hospital, Zaki-Biam, where he was relieved.

Nomiyugh also said that since he assumed office on November 1, 2023, he had recorded a lot of achievements, especially in the release of many abducted victims.

He promised to work harder towards a crime-free society, maintaining that he had embarked on a policy of discipline amongst officers in his command.

He said, “Last Saturday, at Tine Nine in Zaki Biam, headquarters of Ukum LGA, our officers recovered a 50-year-old man who happens to be a kidnap victim. He was abandoned by his assailants and was in a coma.

“Luckily, he was taken to the General Hospital in Zaki Biam where he regained consciousness.

“The command is working hard to sensitise and reorient our officers. We want to be polite and neat.:

In November, Benue State Police Command rescued two traders abducted by gunmen.

The two traders were reportedly kidnapped by gunmen who invaded a market at the Mchia community in the Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

A family member of one of the kidnap traders who did not want to be named said that the abductors demanded N10 million ransom and noted that the incident was immediately reported at a police station in Ugba, headquarters of the LGA.

Nine things to know about ship that collapsed Baltimore bridge

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Nine things to know about ship that collapsed Baltimore bridge

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in the US city of Baltimore collapsed after a ship collided with it, the Maryland Transportation Authority said early Tuesday.

“I-695 Key Bridge collapse due to ship strike,” the MTA posted on social media platform X, referring to the interstate highway.

It urged drivers to avoid the route over the Patapsco River, which it called an “active scene”.

Earlier, the MTA had said interstate lanes in both directions were closed due to an “incident” on the bridge, and that traffic was being redirected.

A police spokesperson from the Baltimore Police Department told NBC News that people were possibly in the river.

However, in this report, According Online highlights nine key things to know about the ill-fated ship as culled from AFP.

1. The ship that caused the collapse of a key bridge in Baltimore is named Dali container ship and was recently built to sail under Singapore’s flag.

2. It was constructed by the Korean Hyundai shipyard in 2015 and is 300 metres long (985 feet), 48 metres wide and 24.8 metres tall, with gross tonnage of 95,000 tonnes, making it an average-sized container ship.

3. It had left Baltimore port at 1 am local time Tuesday for a roughly month-long voyage to Colombo in Sri Lanka, according to the site Marine Traffic. It hit the bridge at 1:28 am.

4. The ship belongs to Singapore-based Grace Ocean Pte Ltd, which is owned by a Hong Kong group, and was carrying containers on behalf of Danish shipping giant Maersk.

5. Synergy Marine, the Singapore company that operates the Dali, said it was being controlled by two Baltimore port pilots at the time of the collision.

6. There were 22 crew members on board, according to the port of Singapore, and none were injured, according to Synergy, which also says no leaking has been detected.

7. The Dali frequently links Asian ports with the East Coast of the United States and passes through the Panama Canal on March 13 before stopping at New York, Norfolk, and finally, Baltimore.

8. In 2016, soon after commissioning, the Dali accidentally hit a dock in the Belgian port of Antwerp, according to the sites Vessel Finder and Shipwrecklog.

9. It can hold up to 8,344 cubic metres (2.2 million gallons) of fuel, according to Marine Traffic. It is insured by UK-based Britannia.

AFP

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