Lagos – AKTORAS, a new state-of-the-art and energy-efficient vessel recently chartered by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), has arrived at the company’s Bonny terminal for its first loading of LNG.
The chartering of the vessel by NLNG's shipping subsidiary, Bonny Gas Transport Limited (BGT), was a strategic move to reduce and diversify the carbon footprint of the company's shipping portfolio.
The vessel is equipped with a mega propulsion system, which uses advanced technology and cutting-edge design to reduce emissions and increase efficiency.
It is a 174,000 m3 capacity LNG carrier, measuring 299.6 metres in length, 46.40 metres in width (laid down) and a gross weight of 81,194 tonnes.
Following arrival at the Bonny Terminal, the ship was christened with a christening ceremony attended by the ship’s sponsor Lady and Godmother, Special Adviser to the Nigerian President on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, at the Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Shipyard in Mokpo, South Korea.
The vessel is managed by another NLNG subsidiary, NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), which took over the technical management and operation of the vessel after construction, marking a new phase in vessel management for the company.
NSML currently manages the LNG vessels owned by BGT within the NLNG fleet, and provides comprehensive vessel technical management services to ensure that the managed vessels are seaworthy and cargo-worthy in accordance with international standards.
At a brief ceremony held to welcome the vessel and her crew at Bonny, NLNG Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Olakunle Osobu, represented by Mr. Andy Odeh, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, emphasized the importance of AKTORAS in the company’s development towards sustainability and a net-zero future.
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“The Actorus is not just a ship; it is a symbol of our steady growth, our commitment to sustainability, and our preparation for a net-zero future.
“AKTORAS is just the beginning of the positive changes to come. The significance of this investment extends far beyond the current moment. In an era when the global LNG industry is grappling with uncertainties amid the energy transition, our ability to remain agile and future-ready is paramount.
He added, “Equipped with a mega propulsion system, AKTORAS is the most environmentally friendly ship in our fleet today, and I welcome her and her crew to Boney Island.”
In his address, Mr. Abdulkadir K. Ahmed, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSML, said that the management of this new, modern vessel will support the NLNG Group’s decarbonisation and net zero emissions objectives, symbolising NSML’s commitment to efficient and sustainable operations as well as a future-focused approach.
He reiterated NSML's alignment with the purpose and philosophy of AKTORAS, an investment in preparing for a net-zero future.
He emphasised the importance of the company’s ability to remain agile and future-ready in an industry characterised by rapid change and uncertainty.
He added, “We embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we move forward with agility and vision in a sea of change. By adding AKTORAS to our fleet, we are set to enhance our capabilities and further strengthen our position as a leading player in the maritime industry.”
He said the management of AKTORAS underlines the trust and confidence placed in NSML by BGT and the vessel owners, Taurus Gas Carriers Corporation (Capital Gas).
He assured that the highest standards of maintenance, safety and operational efficiency would be maintained throughout the charter period.
After loading its first cargo at the Bonny Terminal, AKTORAS proceeded to the Sines LNG Terminal in Portugal for its first discharge operation.
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