Nigeria’s Dateline Energy, Indonesia’s Citra Shipyard Seal Deal on LNG Coastal Carrier Barge in Singapore

Peter Uzoho

Nigeria’s Dateline Energy Services and Citra Shipyard of Indonesia, two leading forces in the energy and maritime sectors, have signed a groundbreaking partnership and kick-off agreement in Singapore for the construction of two units of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Coastal Transportation Carrier Barges.
The signing ceremony took place at the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG)’s Stand on the sideline of the just concluded GASTECH 2023 International Conference in Singapore.

The historic collaboration marked a significant milestone for both companies and paved the way for innovative advancements in the maritime and energy sectors with the construction of the LNG Coastal Carrier Barges.
The first-of-its-kind LNG Coastal Carrier Barges’ designs were meticulously crafted by Dateline Energy in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy’s Naval Dockyard Limited, with whom Dateline Energy was actively partnering to build the Barges in Nigeria.

The official signing ceremony marked the commencement of the construction of two units of LNG Coastal Transportation Carrier Barges.
Dateline said the development was a pivotal step in addressing the gas evacuation and distribution challenges not only faced by Nigerian operators but also by other oil and gas-producing nations.
The indigenous Nigerian concept, in its unprecedented ingenuity, had already attracted the interest of global investors who are pre-ordering the specialised marine craft.

THISDAY learnt that when the LNG Coastal Carrier Barges become operational, they are poised to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy, earning multi-billion-dollar foreign currency and bolstering the nation’s position in the global energy market.
According to the partners, the collaboration aims to drive innovation, promote sustainable practices, and enhance efficiency in the maritime and energy sectors in Nigeria.

“We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with Citra Shipyard, a globally recognised shipbuilding company based in Batam, Indonesia. Together, we will push the boundaries of innovation, sustainability, and excellence in our respective industries.
“This partnership aligns with our commitment to creating a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable future,” Chief Executive Officer, Dateline Energy Services Limited, Wilson Opuwei was quoted in a statement to have said.

While expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, Managing Director, Citra Shipyard, Indonesia, Idn Edy, stated, “This partnership with Dateline Energy Services represents a significant step forward. We look forward to combining our shipbuilding expertise with their energy solutions to create a positive impact on the maritime and energy sectors globally.”

The conference was attended by esteemed Nigerian delegation which included the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Gabriel Aduda; Chief Executive Officer, UTM Offshore Limited, Mr. Julius Rone; President of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), Mr. Akachukwu Nwokedi; and the immediate past NGA President, Mr. Ed Ubong, amongst others.

Dateline Energy Services’ pioneering spirit and innovative prowess in the energy sector continues to set the standard for excellence, fostering economic growth and sustainability for Nigeria with sustainable energy solutions that drive progress and prosperity.