SHIP LAUNCHED; GUESTS INCLUDING NIGERIAN MINISTER FOR TRAFFIC.




Initials MA/V/BHH/SS



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: THE NIGERIAN MERCHANT NAVY HAS TAKEN DELIVERY OF ITS THIRD FREIGHTER FROM A WEST GERMANY SHIPYARD AT EMDEN.

IT WAS LAUNCHED AT EMDEN ON FRIDAY (JULY 19) AND NAMED THE RIVER OGUN BY MRS. ANNE SELEM, WIFE OF THE NIGERIAN COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS AND INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE.

THE RIVER OGUN IS THE THIRD OF FOUR SHIPS THAT THE GERMAN YARD IS BUILDING FOR THE NIGERIAN NATIONAL SHIPPING LINE.

ALL THE FREIGHTERS ARE OF 10,360 TONS AND ARE DESTINED FOR SERVICE BETWEEN WEST AFRICA AND EUROPE AND BETWEEN WEST AFRICA AND AMERICA.

THE DAY BEFORE THE RIVER OGUN WAS LAUNCHED THE NUMBER TWO VESSEL, THE RIVER BENOU, UNDERWENT A SERIES OF SEA TRIALS. EVERYTHING WAS SATISFACTORY AND SHE WILL GO INTO SERVICE ON JULY 23RD.