Nigeria welcomed West Africa’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered container vessel to Onne Port in Rivers State, signaling a major leap toward green shipping, reduced carbon emissions, and maritime innovation. The ship, built by CMA CGM, represents a milestone in Africa’s port modernization journey, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea.
The vessel’s arrival marks a strategic shift in Nigeria’s port operations, as the country seeks to reposition itself as a logistics hub underpinned by environmentally sustainable practices. The use of LNG as marine fuel reduces sulphur oxide emissions by 90%, nitrogen oxide by 80%, and carbon dioxide by 20%, positioning Onne as a frontrunner in climate-conscious shipping in the region.
According to port authorities, the event is part of the Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA) efforts to align domestic maritime operations with global decarbonization targets. The NPA is investing in new docking infrastructure, energy supply systems, and digital technologies to enable further handling of low-emission vessels.
Industry analysts believe this signals a turning point for Nigeria’s shipping industry. “We are now at the forefront of the green logistics revolution in Africa,” said Captain Samson Obiora, Director at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). “This vessel is just the beginning—we must invest in LNG bunkering capacity and training to fully capitalize on this shift.”
The NPA also hinted at plans to install LNG refueling stations and hybrid port equipment to sustain long-term growth. The development is also expected to attract international investors, particularly those prioritizing ESG-compliant supply chains and port infrastructure.
The socioeconomic implications of the arrival are significant. Apart from reducing pollution in port cities like Port Harcourt and Bonny, the introduction of LNG vessels could increase port throughput and create over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs in port services, logistics, and technical maintenance.
In collaboration with international partners like CMA CGM and TotalEnergies, Nigeria is seeking to replicate this model in Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Lekki ports. This aligns with the National Climate Policy and the Blue Economy Strategy launched in 2023.
Stakeholders from the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Ministry of Transportation, and international logistics firms were present at the event, marking what they called “a historic turning point for African trade.”
About The Author
