NLNG Gets Four New Hi-tech Vessels
The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), through its subsidiary, Bonny Gas Transport Limited (BGT), has added four new vessels to its fleet as part of a strategic expansion programme to strengthen and make it more globally competitive.
The LNG Bonny II, built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) of Korea, was named by the wife of the King of Bonny Kingdom in Rivers State, Mrs. Paula Tamunopriye Pepple.
LNG Lagos II, also built by HHI, was named by the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode.
LNG Port Harcourt II, built by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) also of Korea, was named by the wife of the Governor of Rivers State, Mrs. Suzette Nyesom-Wike.
LNG Finima II was named by the wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mrs Elizabeth Kachikwu, who was however represented by the legal counsel of NLNG, Edith Unuigbe.
NLNG’s General Manager in charge of External Relations, Dr. Kudo Eresia-Eke, said in a statement yesterday that the four vessels to be delivered before the end of 2015 are dual fuel diesel electric (DFDE) motored that are fuel efficient and modern models.
“LNG Bonny II and LNG Lagos II are enhanced with a capacity of 177,000 cubic metres, a length of 299 metres and a breath of 46 metres, while LNG Finima II and LNG Port-Harcourt II are enhanced with a capacity of 175,000 cubic metres, a length of 293 metres and a breath of 48 metres – about the size of three football pitches,” he added.
At the HHI naming ceremony in Ulsan, South Korea, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Mr. Babs Omotowa, was quoted as saying that the commissioning marks a clear demonstration of the company’s commitment to the rejuvenation of its assets as well as its efforts at ensuring that it continuously strengthens its reputation and status as a reliable and efficient LNG company operating in a very competitive world energy market.
“This august ceremony, also prepares us for the future with plans for expansion of operations. NLNG is currently planning for additional trains that will increase its production capacity by 40 per cent to some 30 million tonnes annually.
“Our shipping capacity must therefore also grow to meet the demands of this expansion. I must mention here also, that thanks to Nigeria LNG’s local content vision as well as support from HHI that for the first time, some Nigerian companies participated in the construction of our vessels here in Ulsan.
“Nexans KabelMetal, Berger Paints, Paints and Coating Manufacturers Nigeria and Metec West Africa became involved, supplying cables, paints and anodes valued at over $10 million,” Omotowa explained.
He said about 580 young Nigerians benefited from the partnership with HHI and SHI in developing local skills in ship design and construction.
Omotowa further stated that the skills development took place in Bonny, Rivers State, Lagos State and South Korea where over 200 Nigerians participated in the actual construction of the vessels.
The naming ceremonies were witnessed by dignitaries including the Charge d'Affairs of the Nigerian Embassy in South Korea, Mr. Momoh Sheida Omeiza.
According to the statement, the remaining two vessels would be commissioned and delivered in 2016.