The Nigerian Navy (NN) yesterday sealed a deal to construct a 4,000 metric tonnes (MT) Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, Coastal Gas Transportation Barge, the first of its kind, for Dateline Energy Services Limited.
Speaking at the event, which held at the Naval Dockyard Limited (NDL), Victoria Island, Lagos, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, said it marked a significant milestone for the Navy, the Naval Dockyard Limited, Dateline Energy Services and indeed Nigeria.
He said the proposed construction of the barge was indicative of how far these institutions and indeed the nation had developed capacity to indigenise the construction of such an enormous and complex vessel.
The CNS, who was represented by Rear Admiral Hamzat Kaoje, expressed optimism that the partnership would spur the growth of Research and Development (R&D), indigenous vessel construction and local content development towards building sustainable paths to progress.
He said the project would transform the energy sector in Nigeria and Africa, adding that it was vital as the nation and countries transit to LGS as a cleaner and more cost-efficient substitute to other forms of hydrocarbon to mitigatethe impact of Climate Change.
“The Nigeria Navy, as the primary and foremost maritime institution in Nigeria, plays a vital role in the defence of the nation’s maritime territorial integrity and supporting other government agencies and private institutions in developing the maritime sector for economic security and national development.’’
In keeping with the onerous tasks, the Navy has implemented several transformational programmes to reposition itself as a significant contributor to the Federal Government’s policies and programmes geared towards improving the economy and welfare of the state and citizens.
In pursuance of this objective, the Nigerian Navy, has over the years, relied heavily on its logistics and maintenance outfits such as the Naval Dockyard and Naval Shipyard Limited amongst others to provide maritime services that would engender strategic partnerships with various maritime public and private stakeholders towards building a better and prosperous society.
“The yard also provides logistics support to various maritime oil and gas servicing companies amongst others. “The provision of these services typifies the commitments of the Nigerian Navy to partnering with relevant stakeholders across the board for national development.
“It is gladdening to note that the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is taking steps to diversify the economy by exploring the huge national gas reserve estimated at over 208 trillion cubic feet. “The ongoing Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) project, which would span
about 5,600km when completed, would generate significant revenue and foreign exchange to boost the economy.
“Hence, the Nigerian Navy, through its support facilities like the Naval Dockyard, has in the past collaborated with several prominent indigenous companies in construction of oil and gas infrastructure and servicing facilities but not on this scale.
“Pertinently, I would like to state that this contract agreement for the construction of the Coastal Gas Transportation Barge is a product of the Nigerian Navy’s vigorous pursuit of willing and able strategic partners across government agencies and private sector such as Dateline Energy Services Limited.
“The commendable bold steps of Naval Dockyard and Dateline Energy Services in venturing into this project is likely to bring several opportunities and prospects.
” It is envisaged that the project would stimulate capacity building and R&D in the energy transports sector, employment and job creation across the maritime oil and gas ecosystem as well as economic growth in allied fields across the value chain.
Earlier, the Admiral Superintendent, NDL, Rear Admiral Abolaji Orederu, said the partnership was a testament to the growth and potential of the country’s maritime and energy industries.
“It highlights the commitment of both Naval Dockyard Limited and Dateline Energy Services Limited to propel the nation’s economy forward through innovation and collaboration. The successful partnership aims to be a stepping stone towards achieving greater achievements in these crucial sectors,” he said.
Managing Director, Dateline Energy Services Limited, Wilson Opuwei said the venture was aimed at bridging the gap between gas producers, processing units and consumers, both domestically and internationally.
“One of the primary goals is to streamline the distribution of gas resources, which has predominantly been exported until now.
“The partnership seeks to establish a novel concept, focusing on efficient transportation, storage, and utilisation of gas resources.
“The collaboration envisions the creation of a first-of-its-kind public site for energy generation and distribution in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. “This ambitious civil engineering concept encompasses maritime movement, storage facilities, marine components, and vehicle terminals.
“With a design that allows for navigation in even challenging waterways, the initiative is poised to cover extensive territories, including remote areas in the northern regions of Nigeria.
“One of the standout features of this partnership is its potential to generate substantial economic growth. “The projected initial investment of $200 million is anticipated to yield impressive returns over the next two decades. As the project develops, thousands of job opportunities are expected to emerge across various regions of the country, including Adamawa, Oyo, Ondo, Kogi, and the northern areas,” he said.
