Sahara Gas to deliver first consignment to West Africa in March

Newly built Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Vessels, MT Africa Gas and MT Sahara Gas are set to deliver their first consignment of gas to the West African coast from March 2017.

According to Sahara Gas, both vessels’ operations are expected to actualise the vision of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which hinges on boosting the availability of the commodity in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

It added that the two vessels will address the lingering challenges of supply, affordability and fraudulent activities of individuals and organisations seeking to adulterate cooking gas due to scarce supply.

The company disclosed that MT Africa Gas has already taken the lead, commencing its maiden voyage by sailing towards the Caribbean/US Gulf Region. Sahara Gas is due to follow suit in the coming weeks.

Considered as a cleaner, much safer and more affordable alternative to firewood and kerosene, the acceptability of LPG in the sub-region has been affected by some challenges over the years.

These hiccups include, but are not limited to low supply and logistics arising from limited to LPG vessels in the region.
But with the recent unveiling of the two LPG vessels, being acquisitions driven by West Africa Gas Limited, a Joint Venture of NNPC and Sahara Group, there is a renewed optimism for what is popularly referred to as cooking gas in the country.

The company explained: “These two vessels, Hulls 8182 and 8183 were christened “Africa Gas” and “Sahara Gas” respectively at a historic naming event in Ulsan, far away South Korea.

“The JV is run by two companies, NNPC LNG Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NNPC and Sahara Energy’s oil and gas trading arm, Ocean Bed Trading Ltd (BVI).