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Ship movement in Bonny Channel: NPA assures NLNG of support

By on April 6, 2013

To enhance uninterrupted ship movement on the Bonny Channel, the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA has pledged maximum support to the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG).

The Executive Director Marine & Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Engr. David Omonibeke, gave this assurance to the Management NLNG.

According to NPA General Manager, Public Affairs, Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu, the Executive Director who was speaking during a one-day working tour of the NLNG in Bonny Island by NPA management delegation recently, said the tour was designed to revitalise the cooperation between the two companies to ensure a beneficial working relationship between both parties.

The Executive Director explained that the NPA was aware of the plan of the NLNG to increase production, using trains 7 & 8 and is conscious that the increase would result in increase in traffic. He, therefore, promised that the NPA would ensure that the Bonny Channel is expanded to ensure safety of navigation and protection of the marine environment.

Omonibeke hinted that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Authority and the NLNG on the training of pilots would soon be signed, adding that the Pilotage District Board would soon be inaugurated to give impetus to the regulatory functions of the Authority.

While reiterating that the NPA would henceforth fast track all issuee concerning the NLNG to ensure quick action, Omonibeke commended the company for contributing to the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training programme for the Authority’s pilots over the years as well as for supporting the operations of the Authority in Bonny, which, he said, is exemplary corporate social responsibility (CSR) worthy of emulation.

The General Manager, NLNG Shipping, Capt. Temilola Fatai Okesanjo, who led the NLNG delegation, while commending the NPA for initiating the meeting, praised the present management of the Authority for resolving some major issues between the two organisations.

Capt. Okesanjo, while describing the visit as a new opportunity to improve relation between the two organisations, stressed the need not to see the relationship as merely “a service provider and client relationship,” but as a joint effort by the two outfits to ensure more growth in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

During the visit, the Executive Director and his entourage undertook a guided tour of the 2.27 square kilometres NLNG plant, consisting of gas production line, storage and refrigeration facilities, gas turbine electricity generators, LNG export and passenger’s jetties as well as the residential area.

( Daily Independent )