By Abdulfatah Babatunde
The Bonny Gas Transport Limited (BGT), a subsidiary of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), has chartered a new vessel, AKTORAS, in a strategic move to diversify and reduce the carbon footprint of its shipping portfolio.
Iwokiri Aprioku, NLNG’s Acting Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs announced this in a statement emailed to TheNewsZenith on Monday.
NLNG established BGT in 1989 to provide shipping capacity to NLNG’s operations and has been instrumental in solidifying NLNG’s reputation as a major LNG supplier on the global stage.
The newly chartered vessel, AKTORAS, owned by Capital Gas Limited, symbolises a pivotal addition to BGT’s fleet, leased under a Bareboat Charter arrangement.
According to the statement, the vessel is equipped with MEGA propulsion systems that reduce emissions and increase efficiency.
It is a 174,000 m3 capacity class LNG carrier, with a length of 299.6 metres, breadth (moulded) of 46.40 metres and deadweight of 81,194 tons, NLNG stated.
Aprioku said the ship was named during a ceremony event at the Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries shipyard, on Friday, in Mokpo, South Korea.
At a ceremonial ship naming event on Friday at the Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries shipyard in Mokpo, South Korea.
This signalled the formal launch of the vessel, which will carry LNG from NLNG’s Bonny Terminal to customers worldwide.
Mrs Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, christened the vessel as the “Sponsor Lady and Godmother”.
Verheijen stressed that the vessel would carry the spirit of Nigeria across the vast oceans and into the hearts of nations worldwide.
“This ceremony symbolises the commitment of Bonny Gas Transport Limited and its parent company, Nigeria LNG Limited, to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving global energy landscape.
“Their dedication to future-proofing their business resonates deeply with me. This recognises it as a crucial strategy to maintain relevance and competitiveness in the dynamic LNG market.
“In the spirit of progress and renewal, this new vessel replaces ageing steamships, breathing new life into the fleet and bolstering BGT and NLNG’s capacity to meet the growing demands of the LNG market.
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“This signifies a corporate milestone. It is also a testament to Nigeria’s ambition to assert itself as a leading economic force in Africa and beyond.
“We are amidst a transformative journey, leveraging our resources to build a resilient economy that fosters development and prosperity. We assure our partners, including those present here, that we mean business,” she said.
In his commemorative remark, NLNG boss, Dr Philip Mshelbila hailed the charter of AKTORAS as a transformative stride. This is with a view to decarbonising and a sustainable future.
“The charter of a newbuild modern tonnage to BGT, represents a strategic move towards diversifying our shipping portfolio. It is on a Bareboat Charter basis.
“This vessel signifies a new era of greater efficiency and sustainability for BGT’s fleet.
“The enhanced fleet capacity will support NLNG as it continues to harness Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources. It is also repositioning itself in the Energy Transition era,” Mshelbila said.
In a pre-vessel naming dinner, the Chargé D’ Affairs of the Nigerian Embassy in South Korea, Amb. Ferdinand Nwonye urged Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea to invest in Nigeria’s shipyard.
“Nigeria offers the biggest market in Africa and there is no shortage of quality manpower in Nigeria.
“Establishing a Shipyard in Nigeria will give you easy access to the markets of both West and East African countries.
“It will be a win-win cooperation for all of us,” Nwoye said.
NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) will manage AKTORAS.
The occasion signifies BGT’s and NLNG’s relentless march towards a sustainable and low carbon emission future.
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