Bonny channel: Shipping firms lament restrictions caused by NLNG vessels

The management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has promised to open discussions with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) on the dualisation of the Bonny Channel in the Eastern flanks of the nation’s waterways. This is even as shipping companies have lamented restrictions and delays due to movement of NLNG vessels along the Bonny channel.

Addressing stakeholders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State recently, the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala-Usman explained that ongoing discussions with NLNG is expected to roll out modalities for the proposed dualisation, funding, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Erosion Control, among others of the Bonny channel.

Represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mohammed Bello-Koko, the NPA MD informed the gathering that all relevant stakeholders including government agencies will be carried along before final decisions are arrived at.

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According to the shipping firms during the stakeholders meeting, apart from unnecessary loss of man hours and restrictions caused by NLNG vessels along the Bonny channel, vessels are exposed to dangers of attack from criminal elements along the axis during these delays/restrictions.

The stakeholder meeting was also an opportunity for the Port Manager, Rivers Port Complex, Alhaji Abubarkar Umar to canvass for further expansion of the Bonny channel.

In the words of Abubarkar Umar, “The likelihood of Port expansion for the increase in productivity cannot be overemphasized. The Rivers Port Complex has the potential to serve as the hub centre of transhipment’.

He further explained that other undeveloped areas that surround the Bonny River reclamation zone are suitable as investors’ haven for cargo consolidation.

“The Brass LNG situated within the Port’s jurisdiction is investor friendly because it meets global requirement of liquefied natural gas. In furtherance to the Federal Government policy to boost and harness these resources, private sector investment would end up yielding optimal and accruable revenue from oil and gas,” Abubarkar Umar added.

Accompanied by NPA’s Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Dr. Sokonte H. Davies and Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services, Professor Idris Abubakar, amongst others, Bala-Usman urged stakeholders to support ongoing development in the maritime sector.