By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

Bonny Gas Transport Limited (BGT), the shipping subsidiary of Nigeria LNG Limited, has awarded contracts for the construction of three new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers as part of an ambitious fleet renewal programme aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and environmental performance.

The contracts were awarded to Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. and China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd. for the design and construction of the vessels, which are scheduled for delivery in 2029.

According to BGT, each of the new LNG carriers will have a cargo capacity of 174,000 cubic metres and will be equipped with advanced X-DF propulsion technology, a next-generation system designed to improve fuel efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional vessel designs.

Once delivered, the vessels will be chartered by Nigeria LNG Limited and managed by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, the company’s maritime services subsidiary known for providing integrated shipping and marine solutions.

Industry observers view the contract awards as a significant milestone in BGT’s long-term strategy to modernise its fleet and align operations with evolving global environmental standards.

The new vessels are expected to comply with international and European Union emissions regulations, while supporting NLNG’s efforts to maintain its high-performance rating under the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 framework at Level 5.

The investment underscores NLNG’s commitment to sustainability, operational excellence, and the delivery of cleaner energy solutions to global markets.

Company officials said the addition of the modern LNG carriers will strengthen the reliability and efficiency of its shipping operations while positioning the organisation for future growth in an increasingly environmentally conscious energy sector.

The fleet expansion comes at a time when global LNG producers and transport operators are investing heavily in cleaner technologies to meet stricter emissions requirements and support the energy transition.