NLNG to Fully Localize Shipping Arm 2022

By Adedapo Adesanya

The shipping arm of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), NLNG Ship Management Limited, (NSML) has recorded 84 per cent of its localisation process and should be fully “Nigerian” by 2022.

The protectionist process known as Nigerianisation will see only Nigerians running the shipping firm, according to the Managing Director of NSML, Mr Abdulkadir Ahmed.

Speaking at the weekend, he said that at the end of next year, there will no foreigner working with the shipping of the company as every position would have been taken over by Nigerians.

“The target is 100 per cent by 2022, However, recognizing the international nature of our trade, we felt it was expedient to allow for some mixture as we keep up to 85 per cent Nigerians and fifteen per cent foreign sailors so as to be able to reap the benefits of what is happening in the world,” Mr Ahmed said.

He explained that the Nigerianization of the NLNG Ship Management Limited started from inception with a policy to localise the shipping company.

He said; “Recognizing the international nature of our trade, we felt it is expedient to have some sort of mixture amongst the seafarers, so we are keeping it up with 85 per cent Nigerians and 15 per cent foreigners.

‘‘We are doing so as to be able to reap the benefits of what is happening around that world with regards to the seafaring profession.”

NLNG has a total of 23 LNG vessels on long term time charter for deliveries of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from its six-train operation, and one Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel used exclusively for LPG deliveries into the Nigerian domestic market.

Where it becomes necessary, additional third-party vessels are chartered on ad hoc basis, spot or short term, to support NLNG’s cargo deliveries. All 23 LNG vessels are utilised on an integrated scheduling basis.

Currently, NSML’s Fleet Management department manages 11 LNG ships— seven Steam and four Dual Fuel Diesel Electric (DFDE) owned by BGT—ensuring the vessels are operated in line with flag state, class and the global maritime industry requirements.

NSML ensures that these vessels are sea- and cargo-worthy at all times, thereby ensuring that NLNG achieves its aims of delivering cargoes safely and reliably to its customers globally.