In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s maritime industry, the Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) has made history by receiving the first LNG-powered container ship to dock in West Africa. The vessel, Kota Oasis, sailing under the Singaporean flag and owned by Pacific International Lines (PIL), berthed at the terminal on Friday, marking a significant step forward in the region’s transition toward greener, more sustainable shipping practices.
The arrival of Kota Oasis underscores OMT’s growing role as a major gateway for containerized trade in Nigeria and highlights its commitment to environmental stewardship. With a length of 260 meters, the vessel boasts an impressive Gross Registered Tonnage of 78,501 and a carrying capacity of 8,350 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). It is equipped with dual-fuel technology that allows it to operate on both Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and diesel, along with advanced exhaust gas recycling systems designed to significantly curb methane emissions. The ship’s cutting-edge features reflect the shipping industry’s evolving focus on sustainability, fuel efficiency, and environmental safety.
Speaking during a reception held in honor of the ship and its crew, Mr. Nicolo Scannavini, Managing Director of OMT, described the vessel’s arrival as a transformative event for trade in the region. He said the deployment of Kota Oasis would reshape trade connectivity between Asia and Nigeria and stands as a testament to the growing adoption of cleaner shipping technologies. Scannavini expressed OMT’s pride in hosting such an innovative vessel, emphasizing the terminal’s readiness to welcome more technologically advanced ships in the future. He also noted that OMT currently handles cargo from two major global shipping lines, PIL and the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and remains open to partnerships with other international and domestic operators.
Scannavini commended the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by its Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, in ensuring the smooth berthing of the vessel, noting that such cooperation is key to positioning Nigeria as a competitive maritime hub.
Also present at the event, Mr. Dhruv Kohli, Head of Operations, Logistics, and Procurement for PIL’s Regional Office, reaffirmed PIL’s long-term commitment to the Nigerian market. He said the deployment of Kota Oasis is part of PIL’s wider fleet renewal strategy aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Kohli highlighted the ship’s 40,000-horsepower dual-fuel engine and its role in strengthening direct trade routes between Nigeria and Asia, particularly transshipment services to Singapore and direct connections to China. He stressed the importance of Onne Port in PIL’s South West Africa Service rotation, adding that this development would support faster cargo delivery, improved logistics, and more sustainable supply chain operations.
Representing the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller John Ejeh commended OMT and PIL for the milestone, reaffirming Customs’ commitment to facilitating trade and supporting seamless operations at the port. Ejeh emphasized that the Service would continue to work closely with all stakeholders to promote efficient cargo clearance and ease of doing business.
Officials from the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and other regulatory agencies also applauded the achievement, pledging continued institutional support to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and foster sustainable growth within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
