Nigeria’s largest container terminal, APM Terminals Apapa, has marked a historic milestone with the arrival of Kota Oasis, the first LNG-powered vessel to berth in the terminal.
- APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria’s largest container terminal, achieved a milestone with the docking of the LNG-powered ship Kota Oasis.
- The Kota Oasis, owned by Pacific International Lines, showcases advancements in environmentally sustainable maritime technology.
- Recent developments in Nigerian ports highlight their strategic importance in facilitating West African trade and global logistics.
This landmark event, marked by the arrival of an LNG-powered vessel, signals a significant step forward in the Nigeria’s maritime and environmental evolution, showcasing a growing commitment to cleaner, more sustainable shipping practices.
The Kota Oasis, a 260-meter-long and 46-meter-wide vessel with a gross tonnage of 77,850, sails under the Singaporean flag and is owned by Pacific International Lines (PIL).
As the fifth LNG-powered ship in PIL’s fleet and the first of its new “O” class, it marks a significant step towards sustainable shipping.
According to Olawunmi Akinyemi, Head of Operations for PIL Nigeria, “The arrival of ‘Kota Oasis’ is a major achievement that reinforces the company’s dedication to the Nigerian and West African markets.“
The vessel is equipped with advanced X-DF engines featuring Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling, reducing methane slip and environmental impact.
With low emissions and compliance with IMO Tier III regulations, the Kota Oasis is one of the most environmentally friendly vessels in its class.
LNG-powered vessels in West Africa
The switch to LNG-powered container vessels marks a significant shift toward cleaner, more sustainable commercial shipping operations.
Nigeria has, before now, welcomed LNG-powered vessels.
In January 2024, CMA CGM Scandola, a 14,812 TEU LNG-powered container vessel, berthed at Lekki Deep Sea Port, becoming the first of its kind to call at a Nigerian port.
The 366-meter-long ship had earlier stopped in Tema (Ghana) and later proceeded to Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) and Pointe-Noire (Rep. of Congo), marking its historic voyage through major West and Central African ports.
With a capacity of 15,000 TEUs, it remains one of the largest vessels to visit the region
Nigerian ports hit milestone
Nigerian ports have recently marked a wave of historic milestones, highlighting their rising capacity and strategic role in West African trade.
At the Lagos Port Complex, APM Terminals Apapa made history with the arrival of EA Centaurus, the largest container vessel ever to call at the terminal. Onne Multipurpose Terminal welcomed Kota Carum, the biggest ship the port has handled to date.
Lekki Deep Sea Port also hosted Maersk Edirne, the largest container ship to sail Nigerian waters.
At PTML Terminal, Tin Can Island, MV Great Cotonou made a landmark entry as the first direct cargo vessel from China to Nigeria, streamlining Asia–Africa trade by bypassing traditional transshipment hubs.
