BIGHT OF BONNY ACT

An Act manages navigation in the Bight of Bonny, a key maritime zone for oil and gas shipping off Nigeria's coast. It establishes navigation rules, pilotage requirements, and safety zones for vessels, oil companies, and maritime regulators. This ensures safe and orderly operations for Nigeria's oil exports.

BIGHT OF BONNY ACT

What Is This Policy?

An Act providing for the management and navigation of the Bight of Bonny, an important maritime zone off the coast of Rivers State used extensively for oil and gas shipping.

Who Does It Target?

Vessels operating in the Bight of Bonny Oil and gas companies with offshore platforms NPA and NIMASA as maritime regulators Pilots and maritime services in the area

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Ensure safe and orderly navigation in the Bight of Bonny, which is critical for Nigeria's oil export operations and coastal shipping.

Key Features

Navigation Rules: Establishes specific navigation rules for the Bight of Bonny given its complexity and oil traffic. Pilotage: Prescribes pilotage requirements for vessels operating in the Bight. Safety Zones: Creates safety exclusion zones around offshore installations. Coordination: Coordinates navigation between NPA, NIMASA, and oil companies.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Bight of Bonny maritime zone, Rivers State Beneficiaries: Shipping safety; oil industry; environment Funding: NPA / NIMASA

How to Access

Vessels must use licensed pilots in the Bight of Bonny Offshore installation operators must maintain safety zones Navigation charts for the Bight must be kept current Application method: Engage NPA Port Harcourt for pilotage and navigation services.

Official Resources

Website: https://www.nigerianports.gov.ng Contact: Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) — Port Harcourt

Legal Framework

Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly as the Bight of Bonny Act (Cap B12 LFN 2004). Operates alongside the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Act, the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 for petroleum shipping, and the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention and MARPOL Convention ratified by Nigeria.