NCDMB lauds Temile/Hyundai deal to build new LPG vessel

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has lauded the signing of an agreement between an indigenous shipping company, Temile Development Company and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) of South Korea.

A statement by the NCDMB’s Corporate Communications on Wednesday in Lagos said Mr Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary, NCDMB, made the commendation in a video message at the signing of the agreement by the parties in south Korea.

The statement said the agreement was for the construction of a new 23,000 cubic meters Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carrier vessel.

It said the new LPG carrier is expected for delivery on July 26, 2023 at HMD in Ulsan, Korea.

The statement said the company also signed a separate agreement with NSML – an integrated maritime services subsidiary of Nigeria LNG Ltd. for the construction and supervision of the vessel.

It said the LPG carrier vessel was the second that was being constructed by the Temile Development Company and sequel to the first vessel which was constructed in 2018.

According to the statement, the first vessel is currently chartered to Nigeria LNG Ltd for domestic LPG supply.

It said Wabote saluted Temile Development Company for its bullish initiative in investing in an area that was regarded as off-limits for local players.

He described the accomplishment as evidence of significant growth in capacity and confidence of local companies to play in the international arena and in complex areas of the oil and gas industry.

Wabote noted that the deal aligned with the board’s strategic plan of maximising the potential in the midstream and downstream sectors of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

He added that this was especially as the oil and gas industry strives to actualise the Decade of Gas policy of the Federal Government.

Wabote said, “this project clearly supports our LPG penetration initiative in Nigeria and will further close the gap in LPG penetration in Nigeria.”

He stated further that the project would bring invaluable local content opportunities in technology and innovation, human capital development and research and development.

The NCDMB’s boss commended Hyundai for the work it was doing at the Brass Shipyard and other investment projects in Nigeria that would support the repair of vessels.

He also applauded NLNG for the strategic initiative of deploying 100 per cent LPG to the local market to close the gap in respect of LPG penetration in-country.

Wabote added that the company had helped in reducing cost as well as creating a cleaner source of energy for our people.

On his part, Temile’s Chief Executive, Mr Alfred Temile, said the company was delighted to execute the construction of its new LPG carrier with HMD.

Temile said the company was bringing onboard NSML to supervise the construction, as an indigenous company.

He said: “this demonstrates our commitment and support to the Nigeria Local Content Act and as well establishes our confidence in local capacity to deliver international acceptable standards.

“Having taken delivery of our first LPG carrier vessel which is currently chartered to Nigeria LNG Ltd for domestic LPG supply, we look forward to taking delivery of this new carrier in July 2023 to make an addition to the global gas supply industry.

“Working with HMD again makes us feel in very safe hands as we are confident that this eco- fuel vessel shall be constructed in line with international best practices and industrial regulations, thereby creating a space for the vessel in the international gas supply value chain.”