By Haddy Touray
Momodou Hydara, President of the Oil Marketing Companies (OMC), has confirmed that a vessel allegedly carrying contaminated fuel intended for discharge in The Gambia has left the country’s waters after authorities rejected its cargo.
The vessel, identified as YASA ORION (IMO: 9888340), was reportedly prevented from discharging its fuel following tests conducted by Gambian authorities.
In an exclusive interview, Hydara said the authorities carried out due diligence after concerns were raised regarding the quality of the fuel.
According to him, laboratory tests later concluded that the product was off-specification and unsuitable for the Gambian market.
“This vessel had been in Senegal for several days trying to determine its next destination before it was eventually brought to The Gambia. The person who brought the vessel is a known supplier in the country,” Hydara said.
He explained that local oil marketing stakeholders alerted the authorities after learning that the vessel had allegedly been rejected in Senegal.
“When they arrived, we informed the authorities that the vessel had reportedly been rejected in Senegal and that under such circumstances it should not be allowed to discharge here. What is not good for Senegal cannot be good for The Gambia,” he stated.
Hydara said the authorities subsequently conducted tests on the fuel before deciding to reject the cargo.
According to him, the vessel has now reportedly left Gambian waters following the decision by authorities to prevent the discharge of the fuel.
He warned that contaminated fuel could pose serious risks to vehicles and engines if allowed onto the local market.
“Contaminated fuel can damage vehicle engines and trigger engine warning lights, forcing vehicle owners to seek costly repairs,” Hydara said.
He commended the authorities for what he described as the right decision in rejecting the fuel shipment.
Commenting on previous reports of alleged contaminated fuel in the country, Hydara said Oil Marketing Companies had not received scientific evidence confirming that earlier fuel products were contaminated.