Bonny Gas Transport Limited (BGT), a subsidiary of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), has chartered a new-build eco-friendly vessel, AKTORAS, to diversify the company’s shipping portfolio and reduce its carbon footprints.
Founded in 1989, BGT, which was designed to provide shipping capacity to NLNG’s operations, has been instrumental in firmly establishing the company’s reputation as a major LNG supplier on the global stage.
The newly chartered vessel, AKTORAS, owned by Capital Gas Limited and leased under a Bareboat Charter arrangement, the company said in a statement, symbolises a pivotal addition to BGT’s fleet.
“The vessel is equipped with MEGA propulsion systems that reduce emissions and increase efficiency. It is a 174,000 cubic metres capacity class LNG carrier, with a length of 299.6 metres, breadth (moulded) of 46.40 metres and deadweight of 81,194 tons,” the statement said.
At a ceremonial ship naming event at the Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries shipyard in Mokpo, South Korea, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, christened the vessel as the “Sponsor Lady” and “Godmother”, signaling the formal launch of the vessel that would carry LNG from NLNG’s Bonny Terminal to customers around the world.
The Nigerian Head of Mission at the Nigeria Embassy in South Korea, Ambassador Ferdinard Nwonye, witnessed the naming ceremony, along with BGT’s Executive Vice President and NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Philip Mshelbila; NLNG’s Deputy Managing Director, Olakunle Osobu; and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed.
Others at the event were NLNG’s General Manager, ExternalRelations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh; NLNG’s General Manager, Commercial, Ufuoma Otomewo; Chief Executive Officer of Capital Gas, Jerry Kalogiratos, among others.
In a pre-vessel naming dinner, the Chargé D’ Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in South Korea, Ambassador Ferdinand Nwonye, urged the Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea to invest in the development of a shipyard in Nigeria.
“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,” he added.
In his commemorative remark, Dr Mshelbila hailed the charter of AKTORAS as a transformative stride towards decarbonisation and a sustainable future.
“The charter of a new-build modern tonnage to BGT, on a Bareboat Charter basis, represents a strategic move towards diversifying our shipping portfolio. 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, reposition itself in the Energy Transition era and prepare for the future, which includes the expansion of its production capacity in
furtherance of the commitment to meet the growing demand for clean and sustainable energy solutions on a global scale,” Mshelbila said.
For Mrs. Olu Verheijen, the vessel would carry the spirit of Nigeria across the vast oceans and into the hearts of nations worldwide.
“This ceremony symbolises the unwavering 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, recognising it as a crucial strategy to maintain relevance and competitiveness in the dynamic LNG market,” she said.
“In the spirit of progress and renewal, this newly constructed 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. This signifies a corporate
milestone and 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 added.
AKTORAS will be managed by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML).
The latest charter signified BGT and NLNG’s relentless march towards a sustainable and low carbon emission future.
