…Arrival of the Kota Oasis at Onne Port Marks a New Chapter in Sustainable Maritime Logistics and Trade Connectivity
By Patience Chat Moses
In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s maritime industry, the Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) in Rivers State recently made history by receiving the Kota Oasis, West Africa’s first-ever LNG-powered container ship. This groundbreaking arrival signals a transformative shift towards sustainable shipping practices within the region, positioning Nigeria at the forefront of green port operations.
The Singaporean-flagged vessel, owned and operated by Pacific International Lines (PIL), represents a significant leap in eco-friendly maritime logistics. Its maiden call at Onne Port was met with enthusiasm by key stakeholders, including officials from OMT, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigeria Shippers’ Council.
Measuring an impressive 260 metres in length with a Gross Registered Tonnage of 78,501 and a capacity for 8,350 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), the Kota Oasis is a marvel of modern engineering.
What truly sets it apart is its dual-fuel technology, allowing it to operate on both cleaner-burning liquefied natural gas (LNG) and traditional diesel. Beyond this, the ship incorporates advanced exhaust gas recycling systems to drastically cut methane emissions and boasts other features designed for enhanced fuel efficiency and environmental safety.
“This vessel will be a game changer for trade connectivity between Asia and Nigeria,” stated Managing Director of OMT, Mr Nicolo Scannavini, during a reception for the ship and its crew.
OMT currently serves major global shipping lines like PIL and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and this historic berthing underscores its commitment to expanding its international partnerships and capacity. Scannavini also lauded the crucial collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and its Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, for ensuring the smooth reception of the vessel
Boosting Trade and Environmental Stewardship in West Africa
For Nigeria, this milestone reinforces its position as a leading maritime hub. By accommodating such advanced, environmentally friendly vessels, Nigeria enhances its competitiveness in global trade. It aligns with the country’s broader commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development, which is especially crucial in a region highly susceptible to climate change impacts. This move could also attract further green investments into Nigeria’s port infrastructure and logistics sector, fostering job creation and economic diversification.
Head of Operations, Logistics, and Procurement for PIL’s Regional Office, Mr Dhruv Kohli, emphasised PIL’s long-term commitment to the Nigerian market. “This vessel is part of a larger fleet upgrade aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050,” Kohli explained. “We’re proud to bring one of the most advanced ships in the world to Nigeria, a country that plays a vital role in our South West Africa Service rotation.” He highlighted the Kota Oasis’s ability to enhance direct trade routes from Nigeria to Asia, including transshipment to Singapore and direct service to China, promising faster delivery times and more sustainable logistics operations.
For West Africa, the Kota Oasis sets a new precedent. As the first LNG-powered container ship to call at a West African port, it signals the region’s readiness to adopt advanced, cleaner shipping technologies. This could inspire other nations in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to invest in similar green maritime infrastructure and policies, contributing to a collective effort to decarbonise the shipping industry across the continent. With increasing global pressure for sustainable supply chains, West Africa’s embrace of such technology can attract more environmentally conscious shipping lines, thereby boosting regional trade volumes and fostering economic integration. This also positions the region to meet future international maritime environmental regulations more effectively, ensuring continued access to global trade routes.
Officials from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) were also present, commending OMT and PIL for this achievement and pledging continued institutional support to advance maritime innovation and efficiency. Deputy Comptroller John Ejeh of the Nigeria Customs Service reiterated the Service’s commitment to trade facilitation, stating, “We remain committed to providing the assistance needed to ensure successful operations at the port.”
The arrival of the Kota Oasis at Onne Multipurpose Terminal is more than just a ship docking; it’s a powerful statement of Nigeria and West Africa’s commitment to embracing a greener, more sustainable future for global trade.