By Bon Peters
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: In a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) on Friday welcomed the Kota Oasis, a Singaporean-flagged, LNG-powered container vessel — the first of its kind to berth in West Africa.
The eco-friendly ship, owned and operated by Pacific International Lines (PIL), marks a significant leap forward in the push for sustainable shipping in the region. The arrival of Kota Oasis reinforces OMT’s growing reputation as a leading hub for containerized trade and green port operations in Nigeria.
Measuring 260 meters in length, with a Gross Registered Tonnage of 78,501 and an 8,350 TEU capacity, the vessel boasts dual-fuel technology capable of running on both LNG and diesel. It also features advanced exhaust gas recycling systems designed to minimize methane emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
Speaking during a reception for the vessel and its crew, OMT Managing Director Mr. Nicolo Scannavini described the berthing as transformative for regional trade.
“This vessel will be a game changer for trade connectivity between Asia and Nigeria,” Scannavini said. “We’re proud to host the Kota Oasis as part of the shift toward cleaner, greener shipping solutions.”
He commended the collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for facilitating the smooth arrival of the ship, and reaffirmed OMT’s readiness to welcome more technologically advanced vessels and global partners.
PIL’s Regional Head of Operations, Logistics, and Procurement, Mr. Dhruv Kohli, described the vessel’s deployment as part of the company’s broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
“This vessel strengthens direct trade routes between Nigeria and Asia and reflects our commitment to sustainable logistics and faster delivery times,” Kohli said.
Representatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and Nigeria Immigration Service hailed the landmark achievement and pledged continued institutional support for innovation and efficiency in maritime operations.
