Bonny Gas Transport Limited (BGT), a subsidiary of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), has chartered a state-of-the-art vessel, AKTORAS, marking a significant step towards diversifying and reducing the carbon footprint of its shipping portfolio.
Founded in 1989 to support NLNG’s operations, BGT has played a crucial role in establishing NLNG as a key LNG supplier globally. The newly chartered vessel, AKTORAS, owned by Capital Gas Limited, represents a pivotal addition to BGT’s fleet under a Bareboat Charter arrangement.
Equipped with advanced MEGA propulsion systems, the AKTORAS is designed to reduce emissions and enhance efficiency. The 174,000 m³ capacity LNG carrier measures 299.6 meters in length, 46.40 meters in breadth, and has a deadweight of 81,194 tons.
The vessel was officially christened at a ceremonial ship-naming event on Friday at the Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries shipyard in Mokpo, South Korea. Mrs. Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the Nigerian President on Energy, christened the vessel as the Sponsor Lady and Godmother, marking the vessel’s formal launch. The AKTORAS will transport LNG from NLNG’s Bonny Terminal to global customers.
The event was attended by notable figures including Ambassador Ferdinand Nwonye, Nigerian Head of Mission at the Nigeria Embassy in South Korea; Dr. Philip Mshelbila, BGT’s Executive Vice President and NLNG’s Managing Director and CEO; Mr. Olakunle Osobu, NLNG’s Deputy Managing Director; and Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO of NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML).
Other attendees included Mr. Andy Odeh, NLNG’s General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development; Mr. Ufuoma Otomewo, NLNG’s General Manager of Commercial; and Jerry Kalogiratos, CEO of Capital Gas.
In his commemorative address, Dr. Mshelbila praised the charter of AKTORAS as a transformative step towards decarbonization and sustainability.
“The charter of a newbuild 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 expanding its production capacity to meet the growing demand for clean and sustainable energy solutions on a global scale,” he stated.
Mrs. Olu Verheijen emphasized that the vessel would symbolize Nigeria’s spirit across oceans worldwide.
“This ceremony symbolizes 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, recognizing it as a crucial strategy to maintain relevance and competitiveness in the dynamic LNG market.”
“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,” she added.
At a pre-vessel naming dinner, the Chargé D’ Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in South Korea, Ambassador Ferdinand Nwonye, encouraged Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea to invest in 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.
The AKTORAS will be managed by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML).
This event marks BGT’s and NLNG’s continuous commitment to a sustainable and low-carbon emission future.
