- NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) Managing Director, Abdulkadir Ahmed (left), and General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh (right), during a visit to the company’s chartered new-build and energy-efficient vessel, AKTORAS, managed by NSML, during her first voyage to the company’s Bonny Terminal in Rivers State
By Anthony Nwachukwu
A new state-of-the-art and energy-efficient vessel, AKTORAS, which was recently chartered by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), has arrived at the company’s Bonny Terminal for its maiden loading of LNG.
Its arrival followed a vessel-naming ceremony at the Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries shipyard in Mokpo, South Korea, by the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, who is the vessel’s sponsor lady and godmother, Mrs. Olu Verheijen.
NLNG’s shipping subsidiary, Bonny Gas Transport Limited (BGT), had charted the vessel in a strategic move to diversify and reduce the carbon footprint of its shipping portfolio.
The 174,000m3-capacity LNG carrier, with a length of 299.6 metres, breadth (moulded) of 46.40 metres and deadweight of 81,194 tons is equipped with MEGA propulsion system, which uses advanced technologies and cutting-edge design to reduce emissions and increase efficiency.
The vessel is managed by another NLNG subsidiary, NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), which took over its technical management and operation after construction, marking a new phase in the company’s vessel management.
At a brief ceremony to welcome the vessel and her crew to Bonny, NLNG’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Olakunle Osobu, represented by the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Mr. Andy Odeh, emphasised 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,” a statement from the NLNG Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Sophia Horsfall, quoted Osobu to say.
“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.”
Also, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSML, Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed, stated that managing this new, modern vessel will support the decarbonisation and net zero emission objectives of the NLNG group.
This, according to him, symbolises NSML’s commitment to efficient and sustainable operations as well as a future-focused outlook. He reiterated that NSML aligns with the purpose and philosophy behind AKTORAS – an investment in preparation for a net-zero future.
Ahmed further emphasised the importance of the company’s ability to remain agile and future-ready in an industry characterised by rapid change and uncertainty, stating: “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.”
Stating 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 her first cargo at Bonny Terminal, AKTORAS proceeds to Sines LNG Terminal, Portugal, for her first discharge operation.
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.
