APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria’s largest container terminal, has achieved a historic milestone with the arrival of the Kota Oasis, the first LNG-powered vessel to berth at the terminal.
This landmark event marks a major leap forward in Nigeria’s maritime and environmental progress, highlighting a growing commitment to cleaner and more sustainable shipping practices.
The Kota Oasis is a 260-meter-long, 46-meter-wide vessel with a gross tonnage of 77,850. Sailing under the Singaporean flag, it is owned by Pacific International Lines (PIL).
As the fifth LNG-powered ship in PIL’s fleet and the first of its new “O” class, the vessel represents a key step in the company’s strategy toward green shipping.
According to Olawunmi Akinyemi, Head of Operations at PIL Nigeria, “The arrival of Kota Oasis is a major achievement that reinforces the company’s dedication to the Nigerian and West African markets.”
The vessel features X-DF dual-fuel engines with Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling (iCER) technology, significantly reducing methane slip and lowering its overall environmental footprint.
Fully compliant with IMO Tier III emission standards, the Kota Oasis stands as one of the most eco-friendly vessels of its kind.
While this marks the first LNG-powered ship at Apapa Port, Nigeria had previously welcomed such vessels.
In January 2024, the CMA CGM Scandola, a 14,812 TEU LNG-powered container ship, berthed at Lekki Deep Sea Port, becoming the first of its type to call at a Nigerian port.
That 366-meter-long vessel visited ports in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Republic of Congo as part of a historic voyage across major West and Central African trade hubs.
Nigerian ports have recently experienced a wave of maritime milestones, underscoring their rising capacity and strategic importance in the region. Notable events include:
EA Centaurus, the largest container vessel to call at APM Terminals Apapa.
Kota Carum, the biggest ship ever handled at Onne Multipurpose Terminal.
Maersk Edirne, the largest container ship to sail Nigerian waters, berthed at Lekki Deep Sea Port.
MV Great Cotonou, the first direct cargo vessel from China to arrive at PTML Terminal, Tin Can Island—streamlining trade between Asia and Africa by bypassing traditional transshipment hubs.
These developments highlight Nigeria’s growing role as a regional trade gateway, embracing innovation and sustainability to strengthen its maritime infrastructure.
