The Federal Government is actively working on strategies to penalize vessels violating the International Maritime Organization’s sulfur regulations, according to the Minister of Maritime and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
During the arrival ceremony of the largest container vessel, ‘CMA CGM Scandola,’ powered by Liquefied Natural Gas at Lekki Port, Lagos, Oyetola mentioned that tools are being procured to boost the Nigerian Ports Authority’s capacity for sulfur analysis.
The government is aligning with the International Maritime Organization’s Green House Gas Strategy 2023, aiming for a 40% reduction in the carbon intensity of international shipping by 2030.
Oyetola emphasized the need to minimize air pollution in the shipping industry by reducing sulfur content in fuels and commended the shift to natural gas, emphasizing Nigeria’s high-quality, low-sulfur gas.
The Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy recognizes shipping’s vital role in global decarbonization and commends the NPS for incorporating energy-efficient measures in its port modernization project.
The ‘Scandola’ is noted for its eco-friendliness and ranks among West Africa’s largest container ships with 15,000 twenty equivalent units.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Lekki Deep Seaport’s Managing Director, Du Rougang, both expressed pride in positioning Lekki Port on the global logistics marine business map, emphasizing the significance of the vessel’s arrival for Nigeria’s ports.
