A petroleum tanker carrying a fuel cargo has left Gambian waters after regulators stopped its discharge over what has been described as missing documentation needed to verify the quality and compliance of the product.

The vessel, MT Yasa Orion, was placed under regulatory scrutiny after concerns were raised about the petroleum cargo on board, according to an update from authorities.

The decision comes days after earlier reporting by Gambiana that the vessel had been held under inspection following questions about certification and laboratory testing results linked to the imported fuel shipment.

Authorities had directed that the cargo should not be discharged, transferred, stored, distributed or sold until full documentation was submitted, including laboratory test results, quality certificates, and cargo verification records.

However, officials said the vessel’s representatives failed to provide the required documents despite repeated requests and time given to comply, leaving regulators unable to confirm whether the fuel met national safety and quality standards.

“In the absence of verified documentation, and in line with its statutory mandate to safeguard petroleum product quality and protect consumers, the Authority was not in a position to authorize the discharge of the cargo,” the regulator said.

The cargo, described as a petroleum fuel shipment awaiting clearance, was therefore not allowed to enter the domestic supply chain while verification processes were ongoing.

Following consultations with relevant authorities, including port and maritime agencies, the vessel was cleared to depart Gambian waters after being denied permission to discharge its cargo within the country.

Officials said the move was procedural and based strictly on regulatory compliance requirements, rather than an emergency related to fuel shortages.

The regulator also assured the public that the development does not pose any immediate risk to national fuel supply, stressing that existing fuel reserves remain stable.

It added that strict quality checks on imported petroleum products will continue as part of efforts to protect consumers and ensure compliance with national standards in the downstream petroleum sector.

By Adama Makasuba