Nigeria’s largest container terminal, APM Terminals Apapa recorded a significant milestone on Wednesday with the arrival of “Kota Oasis”, the first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-powered containership to visit West Africa.
The vessel, measuring 260 meters in length and 46 meters in width, with a gross tonnage of 77,850, sails under the Singaporean flag and is owned by Pacific International Lines (PIL). It is the fifth LNG-powered ship in PIL’s fleet and the first of its new “O” class — a series of 8,200 TEU dual-fuel container vessels that can run on both LNG and, in the future, bio-methane to further cut carbon emissions.
The vessel, it was gathered, is equipped with Win-GD’s advanced X-DF engines featuring Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling (iCER), a system that reduces methane slip and helps lower the vessel’s environmental impact.
These engines offer a low-pressure gas solution that is cost-effective, energy-efficient, and compliant with the International Maritime Organisation’s Tier III regulations. They emit low levels of nitrogen oxides and virtually no sulfur oxides or particulate matter, making the vessel one of the most environmentally friendly in its class.
At the berthing ceremony, Terminal Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen expressed his appreciation for PIL’s decision to dock the LNG-powered vessel at the terminal. He emphasised that the move aligns with APM Terminals’ mission to reduce carbon emissions within the port and its surrounding communities.
He noted that efficient port operations contribute to faster vessel turnaround times, which allow ships to travel at slower speeds to their next destinations, thereby conserving fuel and reducing overall emissions. He reaffirmed APM Terminals’ commitment to the Nigerian market, stating that the company will continue to invest in infrastructure upgrades to improve operational efficiency, accommodate larger vessels, and support trade growth.
The Head of Operations for PIL Nigeria, Mr. Olawunmi Akinyemi described the arrival of “Kota Oasis” as a major achievement that reinforces the company’s dedication to the Nigerian and West African markets.
He stated that Nigeria remains a core focus for PIL and that the introduction of the LNG-powered vessel reflects the company’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to enhance cost efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Operations Lead for PIL West Africa, Dhruv Kohli added that the vessel’s arrival in Apapa demonstrates PIL’s commitment to deploying the latest and most advanced shipping technologies in the region. He highlighted the company’s investment in dual-fuel engines capable of using LNG, traditional fuel, and, eventually, ammonia, once it becomes a viable fuel option.
Kohli stressed the importance of embracing innovation to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and build a more sustainable future for maritime transport.
The event also drew praise from Nigerian port authorities and regulatory bodies. The representative of the Executive Director (Marine and Operations), Ibrahim Abdul commended PIL for introducing the LNG-powered vessel, calling it a move that supports the International Maritime Organisation’s policies on carbon emission reduction.
Abdul, who is also the General Manager of Health and Safety Executive, outlined the agency’s sustainability initiatives, including the conversion of generators to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and the installation of solar energy systems at the port.
Also, Port Manager of the Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Lawal, applauded the development. Lawal described Kota Oasis’s arrival as a significant accomplishment for both PIL and APM Terminals, expressing satisfaction that such a groundbreaking voyage began at Apapa, which he called Nigeria’s premier port, where ‘everything good is happening’.
The event marked a milestone not only for Nigeria’s maritime sector but also for the broader efforts to adopt cleaner, more sustainable practices across the global shipping industry.
