APM Terminals Apapa has announced receiving the first liquefied natural gas-powered containership to visit West Africa.

Disclosing this in a statement on Wednesday, the terminal stated that the berthing of the vessel named ‘Kota Oasis’ marked a significant milestone in the terminal’s operations.

According to the statement, the vessel, measuring 260 metres in length and 46 metres in width with a gross tonnage of 77,850, sails under the Singaporean flag and is owned by Pacific International Lines.

The statement added that the vessel is the fifth LNG-powered ship in PIL’s fleet and the first of its new O class, “a series of 8,200 twenty-foot equivalent units dual-fuel container vessels that can run on both LNG and, in the future, bio-methane to further cut carbon emissions.”

“Kota Oasis is equipped with Win-GD’s advanced X-DF engines featuring Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling, a system that reduces methane slip and helps lower the vessel’s environmental impact.

These engines offer a low-pressure gas solution that is cost-effective, energy-efficient, and compliant with the International Maritime Organisation’s Tier III regulations. They emit low levels of nitrogen oxides and virtually no sulphur oxides, making the vessel one of the most environmentally friendly in its class,” the statement read in part.

Speaking at the berthing ceremony on Tuesday, the terminal manager at APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, lauded PIL’s decision to dock the LNG-powered vessel at the terminal.

He emphasised that the move aligns with APMT’s mission to reduce carbon emissions within the port and its surrounding communities.

Knudsen noted that efficient port operations contribute to faster vessel turnaround times, “which allow ships to travel at slower speeds to their next destinations, thereby conserving fuel and reducing overall emissions.”

He reaffirmed the APMT’s commitment to the Nigerian market, stressing that the company would continue to invest in infrastructure upgrades to improve operational efficiency, accommodate larger vessels, and support trade growth.

The Head of Operations for PIL Nigeria, Olawunmi Akinyemi, described the arrival of ‘Kota Oasis’ as a major achievement that reinforces the company’s dedication to the Nigerian and West African markets.

He mentioned that Nigeria remains a core focus for PIL and that the introduction of the LNG-powered vessel reflects the company’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

He hinted at ongoing efforts to enhance cost efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Operation Lead for PIL West Africa, Dhruv Kohli, added that the vessel’s arrival in Apapa demonstrates PIL’s commitment to deploying the latest and most advanced shipping technologies in the region.

He highlighted the company’s investment in dual-fuel engines capable of using LNG, traditional fuel, and, eventually, ammonia, once it becomes a viable fuel option.

Kohli stressed the importance of embracing innovation to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and build a more sustainable future for maritime transport.