Bayo Akomolafe 
A new state-of-the-art and energy-efficient vessel, AKTORAS, recently chartered by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has arrived at the Company’s Bonny terminal for its maiden loading of LNG.
It was learnt that after loading her first cargo at Bonny Terminal, the vessel would proceed to Sines LNG Terminal, Portugal for her first discharge operation.
The charter of the vessel by NLNG’s shipping subsidiary, Bonny Gas Transport Limited (BGT) was a strategic move to diversify and reduce the carbon footprint of the company’s shipping portfolio.
A statement by its Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Sophia Horsfall noted that the vessel was equipped with a Mega propulsion system, which uses advanced technologies and cutting-edge design to reduce emissions and increase efficiency.
Horsfall said: “It is a 174,000 m3 capacity LNG carrier, with a length of 299.6 metres, breadth (moulded) of 46.40 metres and deadweight of 81,194 tonnes. The arrival at the Bonny Terminal followed a vessel-naming ceremony at the Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries shipyard in Mokpo, South Korea, by the vessel’s Sponsor Lady and Godmother, Special Adviser to the Nigerian President on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen.”
The manager explained that the vessel was 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.
She noted that 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.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSML, Mr Abdulkadir K. Ahmed, noted that managing this new, modern vessel would support the decarbonisation and net zero emission objectives of the NLNG group, symbolising NSML’s commitment to efficient and sustainable operations as well as a future-focused outlook.
He reiterated NSML’s alignment with the purpose and philosophy behind AKTORAS, which was an investment in preparation for a net-zero future.
The managing director emphasised the importance of the company’s ability to remain agile and future-ready in an industry characterised by rapid change and uncertainty.
At a brief ceremony to welcome the vessel and her crew to Bonny, NLNG’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr Olakunle Osobu represented by General Manager of 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.
According to him, “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.”
