Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), through its subsidiary, Bonny Gas Transport Limited (BGT), has commissioned four vessels as part of a strategic expansion programme to strengthen and make it more globally competitive.
The LNG Bonny II built by HHI was named by the wife of the King of Bonny, Mrs. Paula Tamunoipiriye 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 SHI 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.
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.
At the HHI ceremony in Ulsan, South Korea, Babs Omotowa, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG said “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.
“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 percent 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 have participated in the construction of our vessels here in Ulsan. NexansKabelMetal, Berger Paints, Paints and Coating Manufacturers Nigeria and Metec West Africa became involved, supplying cables, paints and anodes valued at over $10million,” he added.
He said about 580 young Nigerians have benefited from the partnership with HHI and SHI in developing local skills in ship design and construction. He 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’affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in South Korea, Mr Momoh SheidaOmeiza.
Contrary to some online news medium, NLNG/BGT/NNPC attendance was 33 (as against the false and misleading 110 reported) and this number is inclusive of Board Members of BGT who were holding their 57th Board meeting to coincide with the event, the God mothers and an aide each, few relevant senior management staff, and the former Managing Director and his deputy, who did the initial work culminating in the accomplishments of the moment, as well as an external media representative who covered the event.
Other attendees at the events such as International Banks who financed the ships, Class Societies, etc, all attended at their own costs. The naming ceremonies were also attended by the Nigerian crew on-board the vessels as well as the Nigeria trainees who are based in Korea undergoing shipbuilding training as part of technology skills transfer aspects of our Nigerian Content initiative.
The remaining two vessels will be commissioned and delivered in 2016.
NLNG is owned by four shareholders, namely, the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC (49%), Shell Gas BV, SGBV, (25.6%), Total LNG Nigeria Limited (15%), and Eni International (N.A,) N. V. S. a. r. l (10.4%).
