By Ali Elias
LAGOS — Bonny Gas Transport Limited (BGT), the shipping subsidiary of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), has awarded contracts for the construction of three new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers to Chinese shipbuilding giants Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group and China Shipbuilding Trading Company, marking a significant step in the company’s fleet renewal and decarbonisation strategy.
The new vessels, scheduled for delivery in 2029, form part of BGT’s long-term fleet modernisation and replacement programme aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening LNG transportation capacity and aligning the company’s maritime operations with evolving global environmental standards.
According to a statement issued by the company, each of the vessels will have a cargo capacity of 174,000 cubic metres and will be fitted with advanced X-DF dual-fuel propulsion technology, which significantly improves fuel efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to older LNG carrier designs.
The vessels will be chartered by NLNG upon completion and managed by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), the company’s maritime subsidiary responsible for shipping and marine support operations.
Industry observers view the acquisition as a strategic move by NLNG to position itself for growing global demand for cleaner energy while maintaining competitiveness in the increasingly regulated international LNG shipping market.
BGT described the project as a major milestone in its efforts to build a cleaner, more efficient and future-ready fleet.
“This is an important milestone in BGT’s plan to modernise its fleet and support cleaner, more efficient and future-ready operations,” the company stated.
Beyond improving operational performance, the new vessels are expected to play a critical role in helping NLNG meet increasingly stringent international environmental requirements. The company noted that the carriers will comply with global and European Union emissions regulations and support NLNG’s commitment to reducing methane emissions under the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0 framework, where the company currently holds the highest Level 5 rating.
The investment comes as LNG shipping operators worldwide accelerate fleet renewal programmes in response to tighter emissions standards and growing pressure from regulators, investors and customers to reduce the carbon footprint of maritime transportation.
Hudong-Zhonghua, one of the world’s leading LNG carrier builders and a subsidiary of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), has emerged as a key player in the global LNG shipbuilding market, delivering some of the industry’s most technologically advanced vessels. The yard has secured multiple LNG carrier contracts from major international energy and shipping companies in recent years.
For NLNG, the addition of the three vessels is expected to strengthen its ability to transport LNG cargoes efficiently to customers across Europe, Asia and other international markets at a time when natural gas continues to be viewed as a transition fuel in the global shift toward lower-carbon energy sources.
Founded to provide shipping services for NLNG’s export operations from Bonny Island, Rivers State, BGT has remained a critical component of Nigeria’s LNG value chain. The latest vessel order underscores the company’s commitment to sustaining reliable LNG deliveries while embracing cleaner technologies and improving operational resilience.
The company added that the newbuild vessels will further strengthen NLNG’s capacity to deliver cleaner energy to international markets and reinforce its broader commitment to sustainability, operational excellence and long-term growth.