Naval Dockyard Ltd Partners Dateline Energy Services for Construction of LPG Coastal Gas Transportation Barge

Chiemelie Ezeobi

To boost efforts of Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors, Naval Dockyard Limited and Dateline Energy Services Limited recently entered a partnership contract agreement for the construction of 4,000 metric tons Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, Coastal Gas Transportation Barge which will be built at the Naval Dockyard Limited in Lagos. 

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, said the construction of the transportation barge marked a significant milestone for the Nigerian Navy, the Naval Dockyard Limited, Dateline Energy Services and the nation.

The CNS, who was represented by Group Managing Director/ CEO Navy Holdings Limited, 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 proposed construction of the 4,000 metric tonnes LPG Coastal Gas Transportation Barge was indicative of how far the institutions and the nation had developed capacity to indigenise the construction of such an enormous and complex vessel.

Stressing that the project will bring massive transformation in the energy sector in the country as well as in the African continent, Vice Admiral Ogalla also praised the Naval Dockyard Ltd for standing tall in keeping to its primary objectives of enhancing the country’s strategic self-reliance in maintaining Naval vessels, developing expertise and embarking on design and building of ships and craft in support of Nigeria’s continental and global maritime power projection and its blue economy.

Ogalla said the project is a novel idea that will facilitate business and growth of the economy, adding that “it’s a good step to diversify the economy, provide opportunities for job creation and ensure the opening of the coastline with laudable opportunities”.

CNS also commended the visionary and focused leadership of President Bola Tinubu, pledging that the restoration of the renewed hope agenda will be delivered by the government in view of its commitment in addressing the welfare of the citizens.

In his speech, CEO Dateline Energy Services, Mr Wilson Opuwei, said the construction covers 4000 metric tonnes and the first of its kind in Africa, adding that the opportunities that would open up with the completion of the project is huge, stressing that it would impact positively on the economy. 

In turn, the project partner, Darren Dignam,  promised to ensure that the project is delivered on time, just as he praised the Naval Dockyard for their capacity and competence in handling the massive project.

At the inauguration of the partnership, Rear Admiral AA Oredereu, Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard,  expressed confidence that this collaboration will yield fruitful results for both parties and pave the way for future endeavors in oil and gas vessel construction, Research and Development, and local content development within the maritime and energy sectors. 

He said, “This milestone event is seen as a testament to the growth and potential of Nigeria’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”. 

Rear Admiral Orederu who spoke on the Naval Dockyard facilities and ship building capabilities harped on the competence of Naval Dockyard and its capacity at building war ships.

According to him “the Dockyard has demonstrated its capacity by constructing three Seaward Defence Boats, building over 100 riverine patrol boats, constructing and maintaining of houseboats, constructing self-propelled barges, repair of vessels both military and merchant ships, and constructing GRP boats and numerous maritime engineering construction as well as oil and gas platforms/assets currently performing optimally within Nigeria’s maritime space among others.”

Also present at the epoch occasion were Hamza Ibrahim, MD/CEO, Admiralty Maritime Services Ltd; and Dr. Mc George Onyung, President, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria, amongst several others.