NLNG, BGT commission four new hi-tech LNG vessels
The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), through its subsidiary, Bonny Gas Transport Limited (BGT), has commissioned four new vessels, as part of its strategic expansion programme geared towards strengthening and making its business to be more globally competitive.
The vessels include LNG Bonny II built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), and was named by the wife of the King of Bonny, Paula Tamunoipiriye Pepple; LNG Lagos II, also built by HHI, was named by the wife of the Lagos State governor, Bolanle Ambode; LNG Port Harcourt II built by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), was named by the wife of the Governor of Rivers State, Suzette Nyesom-Wike, while 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), Elizabeth Kachikwu, who was however represented by the legal counsel of NLNG, Edith Unuigbe.
In a statement signed by Kudo Eresia-Eke, general manager, external relations division, the four vessels to be delivered before the end of 2015 are Dual Fuel Diesel Electric (DFDE), and a more fuel efficient and modern model of vessels.
“LNG Bonny 11 and LNG Lagos 11 are enhanced with a capacity of 177,000 cubic metres, a length of 299 metres and a breath of 46 metres, while LNG Finima 11 and LNG Port-Harcourt 11 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.”
“The commissioning marks a clear demonstration of our commitment to the rejuvenation of our assets as well as our efforts at ensuring that we continuously strengthen our reputation and status as a reliable and efficient LNG company operating in a very competitive world energy market,” said Babs Omotowa, managing director/CEO, NLNG at the HHI ceremony in Ulsan, South Korea.
It also prepares NLNG for the future with plans for expansion of operations, he said, saying, “NLNG is currently planning for additional trains that will increase its production capacity by 40 percent to some 30 million tons annually. Our shipping capacity must therefore also grow to meet the demands of this expansion.”
He said about 580 young Nigerians have benefited from the partnership with HHI and SHI in developing local skills in ship design and construction, which took place in Bonny, Rivers State, Lagos State and South Korea where over 200 Nigerians participated in the actual construction of the vessels.
In terms of local content, he disclosed NexansKabelMetal, Berger Paints, Paints and Coating Manufacturers Nigeria and Metec West Africa were involved in the supply of cables, paints and anodes valued at over $10 million that was used for the building of the vessels.