Bonny Gas Transport Limited (BGT), a subsidiary of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), has chartered a newly built vessel, AKTORAS, as part of its strategic initiative to diversify and reduce the carbon footprint of its shipping operations.
Founded in 1989, BGT has been pivotal in supporting NLNG’s operations, helping to establish NLNG as a prominent global LNG supplier. The addition of AKTORAS, leased under a Bareboat Charter arrangement from Capital Gas Limited, represents a significant enhancement to BGT’s fleet.
The AKTORAS, a 174,000 m³ capacity class LNG carrier, is equipped with MEGA propulsion systems that reduce emissions and increase efficiency. The vessel measures 299.6 meters in length, 46.40 meters in breadth, and has a deadweight of 81,194 tons.
At a ceremonial ship-naming event on Friday at the Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries shipyard in Mokpo, South Korea, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the Nigerian President on Energy, christened the vessel. This event marked the formal launch of AKTORAS, which will transport LNG from NLNG’s Bonny Terminal to customers worldwide.
The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries including Ambassador Ferdinard Nwonye, Nigerian Head of Mission at the Nigerian Embassy in South Korea; Dr. Philip Mshelbila, BGT’s Executive Vice President and NLNG’s Managing Director and CEO; Mr. Olakunle Osobu, NLNG’s Deputy Managing Director; and Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO of NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML).
Also present were Mr. Andy Odeh, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development; Mr. Ufuoma Otomewo, NLNG’s General Manager, Commercial; and Jerry Kalogiratos, CEO of Capital Gas, among others.
Dr. Mshelbila praised the charter of AKTORAS as a significant step towards decarbonization and sustainability. “The charter of this modern vessel represents a strategic move to diversify our shipping portfolio. This vessel signifies a new era of efficiency and sustainability for BGT’s fleet. The enhanced fleet capacity will support NLNG in harnessing Nigeria’s natural gas resources, preparing for the Energy Transition era, and meeting the global demand for clean energy solutions,” he said.
Mrs. Verheijen highlighted the vessel’s symbolic role in carrying the spirit of Nigeria across the oceans, emphasizing BGT and NLNG’s commitment to adapting and thriving in the evolving global energy landscape. “This newly constructed vessel replaces ageing steamships, boosting BGT and NLNG’s capacity to meet the growing LNG market demands. This is a corporate milestone and a testament to Nigeria’s ambition to be a leading economic force,” she stated.
During a pre-vessel naming dinner, Ambassador Nwonye urged Hyundai Heavy Industries to consider investing in a shipyard in Nigeria, citing the country’s large market and quality manpower. “Establishing a shipyard in Nigeria will give you easy access to West and East African markets. It will be a win-win cooperation,” he added.
AKTORAS will be managed by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), signifying BGT’s and NLNG’s commitment to a sustainable and low-carbon future.
