Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Reports emerging from sources within the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) have raised concerns over a vessel currently heading to The Gambia, amid allegations that it is carrying a cargo of diesel fuel that was reportedly rejected in neighboring Senegal over contamination concerns.
The vessel in question, the YASA ORION, is a Marshall Islands-flagged oil and chemical tanker operated by YA-SA Tanker Isletmeciligi AS.
The tanker, measuring 183.06 meters in length and 32.24 meters in width, recently departed from the Port of Huelva in Spain on a voyage initially destined for Dakar, Senegal.
However, according to vessel tracking information and sources familiar with the matter, the YASA ORION is now en route to the Port of Banjul and is expected to arrive at 23:00 (UTC+0) tonight.
Sources at the Gambia Ports Authority who spoke on condition of anonymity alleged that the vessel was turned away in Senegal after laboratory tests reportedly found its diesel cargo to be contaminated.
However, no official confirmation of the claim had been issued by Senegalese authorities at the time of publication.
The allegations have prompted calls for an urgent investigation by Gambian authorities before any fuel cargo is discharged into the local market.
Concerned sources have urged the petroleum division of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), Gam Petroleum, the Gambia Police Force, the Gambia Navy, and other relevant agencies to thoroughly inspect and test the fuel cargo upon arrival.
Those raising the concerns argue that any failure to verify the quality of the shipment could pose risks to consumers, businesses, and the wider economy, particularly if contaminated fuel enters the national supply chain.
Fuel quality remains a critical issue for transport operators, power generators, and industrial users, as contaminated petroleum products can damage engines, disrupt operations, and result in significant financial losses.
As of press time, neither PURA nor Gam Petroleum had publicly commented on the allegations, and there was no official confirmation regarding the quality of the cargo aboard the YASA ORION.
The claims remain allegations, and the vessel’s cargo has not been independently verified. Authorities are expected to provide further clarification once the tanker arrives in Banjul and any necessary inspections are conducted.
Editor’s Note: The allegations concerning the vessel’s cargo have not been independently confirmed. Efforts to obtain official comment from the relevant authorities are ongoing.
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