The management of Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) has described the berthing of a Singaporean-flagged, LNG-powered container vessel at Onne Port, Rivers State, as a game changer for trade connectivity between Nigeria and Asia.
The development, according to the terminal operator, underscores its commitment to green port operations and reinforces its position as a leading hub for containerised trade in Nigeria.
The terminal operator noted that the dual-fuel vessel, christened Kota Oasis, with a capacity of 8,350 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), is expected to boost direct trade routes between Nigeria and Asia, including transshipment to Singapore and direct service to China.
The Managing Director of OMT, Nicolo Scannavini, described the arrival of the 260-metre-long vessel, owned and operated by Pacific International Lines (PIL), with a Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 78,501, as transformative.
He noted that OMT currently services two major global shipping lines — PIL and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) — and remains open to welcoming more international and national partners.
Scannavini also praised the collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and its Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, for enabling the smooth and successful berthing of the ship.
Also speaking, the Head of Operations, Logistics, and Procurement for PIL’s Regional Office, Mr. Dhruv Kohli, emphasised PIL’s long-term commitment to the Nigerian market. He said this vessel is part of a larger fleet upgrade aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
“We’re proud to bring one of the most advanced ships in the world to Nigeria, a country that plays a vital role in our South West Africa Service rotation,” Kohli stated.
Kohli highlighted the Kota Oasis’s dual-fuel capabilities, 40,000-horsepower engine, and its role in enhancing direct trade routes from Nigeria to Asia — including transshipment to Singapore and direct service to China.
“Onne is a critical port for us. This deployment supports faster delivery times and sustainable logistics operations, strengthening our commitment to Nigeria’s economy and environment,” he added.
Representing the Onne Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Deputy Comptroller, John Ejeh, reaffirmed the Service’s support for trade facilitation and ease of business.
Officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and others also commended OMT and PIL for this landmark achievement, pledging continued institutional support to advance maritime innovation and efficiency.
