Bonny Gas Transport Limited (BGT), the shipping subsidiary of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), has awarded contracts for the construction of three new LNG carriers as part of its long-term fleet renewal and expansion strategy.
In a statement released to media, the contract, awarded to China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co. Ltd and China Shipbuilding Trading Co. Ltd, covers the construction of three LNG vessels with a capacity of 174,000 cubic metres each, with an option for up to three additional vessels, potentially expanding the programme to six ships.
The newbuild LNG carriers are scheduled for delivery in 2029 and will significantly strengthen NLNG’s global shipping capability as it continues to transport LNG from its Bonny Island operations to international markets.
Each vessel will be fitted with advanced X-DF (dual-fuel) propulsion technology, designed to improve fuel efficiency and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to older-generation LNG carriers. This aligns with global decarbonisation standards and strengthens compliance with tightening EU maritime emissions regulations.
The vessels will be chartered by Nigeria LNG and managed by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), a key maritime services subsidiary known for its expertise in LNG vessel operations, fleet management, and marine logistics.
NLNG currently produces approximately 22 million tonnes per annum of LNG from its Bonny Island plant and operates one of the most extensive LNG shipping networks globally. Its fleet includes 23 LNG carriers under long-term charter arrangements and one LPG vessel serving domestic supply needs.
The company’s shareholder structure includes the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) with a 49% stake, alongside international partners Shell, TotalEnergies, and Eni, under long-term gas supply agreements that support global LNG distribution.
The latest vessel order reinforces BGT’s fleet modernization programme, which already includes 13 LNG carriers, six of which were delivered under the earlier DFDE-based BGT Plus initiative. The new order reflects a continued shift toward cleaner, more efficient maritime transport systems within Nigeria’s LNG value chain.
By investing in next-generation LNG carriers, NLNG aims to enhance operational efficiency, ensure compliance with international emissions frameworks such as OGMP 2.0 Level 5, and reinforce its position as a leading global supplier of cleaner energy.
This development represents a significant milestone in NLNG’s strategy to modernise its shipping infrastructure while supporting the global transition toward lower-carbon energy transportation.
