Leadnaija
In a historic milestone for maritime trade in West Africa, the Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) in Rivers State has received the first-ever LNG-powered container vessel to berth at any port in the sub-region.
Key Note:
• Singapore-flagged Kota Oasis docks at OMT
• A new era for green shipping in West Africa
The Singapore-flagged Kota Oasis, owned by Pacific International Lines (PIL), berthed at the terminal with a capacity to ferry 8,350 containers, signalling a major leap in eco-friendly port operations and sustainable logistics in Nigeria.
The state-of-the-art vessel, measuring 260 metres in length with a Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 78,501, is equipped with dual-fuel propulsion technology that allows it to run on both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and diesel. The ship also features cutting-edge exhaust gas recycling and methane emission reduction systems, underscoring its environmental pedigree.
Speaking at a reception for the vessel and its crew, Managing Director of OMT, Mr. Nicolo Scannavini, described the berthing as “a turning point for Nigeria’s maritime future.”
“This isn’t just an engineering marvel—it signals Nigeria’s readiness for a green shipping revolution. Welcoming Kota Oasis cements our role as a strategic Asia-Nigeria trade gateway,” Scannavini stated.
He commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and its Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, for their collaborative effort in ensuring a smooth berthing operation.
According to Scannavini, OMT currently serves global shipping giants such as PIL and the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and is open to further international partnerships aimed at transforming Nigeria’s maritime landscape.
Also speaking, Mr. Dhruv Kohli, Head of Operations, Logistics, and Procurement at PIL’s Regional Office, reiterated the shipping giant’s long-term commitment to Nigeria, noting that the deployment of Kota Oasis is part of PIL’s fleet-wide carbon neutrality initiative.
“We aim to be carbon neutral by 2050. Deploying Kota Oasis to Nigeria reflects our confidence in the Nigerian economy and our desire to be part of its green transition,” Kohli said.
He revealed that the vessel boasts a 40,000-horsepower dual-fuel engine, offering direct connections to China and Singapore, and significantly improving delivery timelines for Nigerian businesses.
“Onne Port is critical to our operations. This deployment is about speed, sustainability, and strengthening Nigeria’s place in global trade,” he added.
In his remarks, Deputy Comptroller John Ejeh of the Onne Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service pledged unwavering support for enhanced trade facilitation and efficient port processes.
“We remain committed to business-friendly operations and will continue to support innovations that benefit Nigeria’s economy,” Ejeh affirmed.
Officials from the NPA, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and other government agencies were also present to witness the milestone, all praising the move as a bold step toward maritime sustainability and operational excellence.
