Nigeria Welcomes West Africa’s First LNG-Powered Container Ship
In a groundbreaking development for Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) on Friday received the Kota Oasis, a Singaporean-flagged, LNG-powered container ship — the first of its kind to dock in West Africa.
The eco-friendly vessel, owned by Pacific International Lines (PIL), signals a bold leap forward for sustainable shipping in Nigeria. Its arrival not only reinforces OMT’s commitment to green port operations but also elevates its position as a pivotal hub for containerized trade in the region.
At 260 meters in length and a Gross Registered Tonnage of 78,501, the Kota Oasis has a carrying capacity of 8,350 TEUs. It is equipped with dual-fuel technology capable of operating on both LNG and diesel, along with cutting-edge exhaust gas recycling systems to cut down methane emissions and optimize fuel efficiency.
Mr. Nicolo Scannavini, Managing Director of OMT, described the vessel’s berthing as a transformative moment:
“This vessel will be a game changer for trade connectivity between Asia and Nigeria. It’s an engineering marvel and a statement of intent for cleaner, greener shipping. We’re proud to host the Kota Oasis and welcome more innovative vessels in future.”
OMT currently handles major global shipping lines including PIL and MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) and is actively pursuing more international partnerships, according to Scannavini.
He praised the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, for its role in facilitating the successful docking of the ship.
Mr. Dhruv Kohli, PIL’s Regional Head of Operations and Logistics, noted the significance of the ship’s deployment:
“This vessel is part of PIL’s ongoing effort to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. We’re excited to deploy one of the most advanced ships in global shipping right here in Nigeria. Onne is critical to our operations, and this initiative strengthens our South West Africa trade route.”
He highlighted the 40,000-horsepower engine of Kota Oasis and its role in enhancing direct trade routes to Singapore and China.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service (Onne Port Command), Deputy Comptroller John Ejeh affirmed continued support for trade facilitation, stating:
“We remain committed to OMT, PIL, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and sustained ease of doing business.”
Also in attendance were senior officials from NPA, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigeria Immigration Service, and other regulatory bodies, all of whom praised this historic milestone and pledged further support for maritime innovation in Nigeria.
In a groundbreaking development for Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) on Friday received the Kota Oasis, a Singaporean-flagged, LNG-powered container ship — the first of its kind to dock in West Africa.
The eco-friendly vessel, owned by Pacific International Lines (PIL), signals a bold leap forward for sustainable shipping in Nigeria. Its arrival not only reinforces OMT’s commitment to green port operations but also elevates its position as a pivotal hub for containerized trade in the region.
At 260 meters in length and a Gross Registered Tonnage of 78,501, the Kota Oasis has a carrying capacity of 8,350 TEUs. It is equipped with dual-fuel technology capable of operating on both LNG and diesel, along with cutting-edge exhaust gas recycling systems to cut down methane emissions and optimize fuel efficiency.
Mr. Nicolo Scannavini, Managing Director of OMT, described the vessel’s berthing as a transformative moment:
“This vessel will be a game changer for trade connectivity between Asia and Nigeria. It’s an engineering marvel and a statement of intent for cleaner, greener shipping. We’re proud to host the Kota Oasis and welcome more innovative vessels in future.”
OMT currently handles major global shipping lines including PIL and MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) and is actively pursuing more international partnerships, according to Scannavini.
He praised the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, for its role in facilitating the successful docking of the ship.
Mr. Dhruv Kohli, PIL’s Regional Head of Operations and Logistics, noted the significance of the ship’s deployment:
“This vessel is part of PIL’s ongoing effort to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. We’re excited to deploy one of the most advanced ships in global shipping right here in Nigeria. Onne is critical to our operations, and this initiative strengthens our South West Africa trade route.”
He highlighted the 40,000-horsepower engine of Kota Oasis and its role in enhancing direct trade routes to Singapore and China.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service (Onne Port Command), Deputy Comptroller John Ejeh affirmed continued support for trade facilitation, stating:
“We remain committed to OMT, PIL, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and sustained ease of doing business.”
Also in attendance were senior officials from NPA, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigeria Immigration Service, and other regulatory bodies, all of whom praised this historic milestone and pledged further support for maritime innovation in Nigeria.