By Edu Abade
The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), yesterday, disclosed that a new state-of-the-art and energy-efficient chartered NLNG carrier AKTORAS has arrived at the Bonny Terminal for its first ever loading and shipment of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG.
Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Sophia Horsfall, in a statement, said the charter of the vessel by NLNG’s shipping subsidiary, the Bonny Gas Transport Limited (BGT), was a strategic move to diversify and reduce the carbon footprint of the company’s shipping portfolio.
“The vessel is equipped with a MEGA propulsion system, which uses advanced technologies and cutting-edge design to reduce emissions and increase efficiency. It is a 174,000 m3 capacity LNG carrier, with a length of 299.6 metres, breadth (molded) of 46.40 metres and deadweight of 81,194 tons,” the statement reads.
The arrival at the Bonny Terminal followed a vessel-naming ceremony at the Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries shipyard in Mokpo, South Korea by Special Adviser to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Energy and Sponsor of the vessel, Mrs. Olu Verheijen.
Managed by the NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), which took over the technical management and operation of the vessel after construction, the company is marking a new phase in vessel management for the company.
NSML currently manages BGT-owned LNG vessels within the NLNG fleet, providing comprehensive vessel technical management services to ensure that managed vessels are sea and cargo-worthy in line with international standards.
At a brief ceremony to welcome the vessel and her crew to Bonny, Deputy Managing Director of NLNG, Olakunle Osobu, who was represented by the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh stressed the significance of AKTORAS in the company’s evolution towards sustainability and a net-zero future.
“AKTORAS is not just a vessel; it is a symbol of our steady evolution, our commitment to sustainability and our preparedness for a net-zero future. AKTORAS is simply the beginning of the positive changes to come. The significance of this investment extends far beyond the present moment.
“In an era where the global LNG industry is navigating uncertainties amidst the Energy Transition, our ability to remain agile and future-ready is paramount. AKTORAS, equipped with MEGA propulsion systems, is the most eco-friendly vessel in our fleet today and I welcome her and her crew to Bonny Island,” he stated.
Speaking, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSML, Abdulkadir K. Ahmed, noted that managing the new, modern vessel will support the decarbonization and net-zero emission objectives of the NLNG group, symbolizing NSML’s commitment to efficient and sustainable operations as well as a future-focused outlook.
He restated NSML’s alignment with the purpose and philosophy behind AKTORAS, which was an investment in preparation for a net-zero future and stressed the importance of the company’s ability to remain agile and future-ready in an industry characterized by rapid change and uncertainty.
“We embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead as we navigate the seas of change with agility and foresight. With AKTORAS in our fleet, we are poised to enhance our capabilities and further strengthen our position as a leading player in the maritime industry,” he stated.
He added that management of AKTORAS underscores the trust and confidence placed in NSML by BGT and the owners of the vessel, Taurus Gas Carrier Corp. (Capital Gas). He assured that the highest standards of maintenance, safety, and operational efficiency would be upheld throughout the duration of the charter.
After loading its first cargo at the Bonny Terminal, AKTORAS proceeded to Sines LNG Terminal, Portugal, for her first discharge operation.
