NYK appoints first Nigerian captain of LNG carrier

Japan’s shipping giant NYK said it had appointed Tanko Olanrewaju Usman as the first Nigerian captain of one of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.

The vessel in question is the 2007-built 149,600-cbm, LNG Ogun, that is serving a long-time charter with producer Nigeria LNG.

“The development and advancement of Nigerian seafarers is a shared commitment by both Nigeria LNG and NYK in line with NLNG’s Nigerianisation journey,” NYK said in a statement on Tuesday.

Captain Usman has been a deck officer on board LNG carriers operated and managed by subsidiaries within the NYK group since 2007.

“I’m happy and excited to be promoted to a captain. The journey to being a captain has been interesting as well as challenging. Looking back to when I started as a cadet with NYK, I am filled with immense gratitude for how far I have come. NYK has provided me with a good working environment for a progressive sea career for which I’m very grateful,” he said.

Tanko Olanrewaju Usman (Image: NYK)

Back in 2021, NYK also appointed its first Indonesian captain, as well as its first Indonesian chief engineer of one of its LNG carriers.

“NYK has been promoting the training of seafarers, regardless of nationality and the promotion of a chief officer to the rank of captain is a tangible result of NYK’s efforts to support the appointment of senior management to high-risk vessels,” the firm said.

NYK LNG Shipmanagement is one of the world’s largest operators of LNG carriers.

As of December 2022, the company has 61 vessels in its fleet with 31 ship under direct management, according to its website.

Most Popular

Venture Global’s CP2 LNG to start mobilization and site preparation

Venture Global LNG's CP2 LNG has received approval from the US FERC to start mobilization and other limited activities for the LNG project in Louisiana.

Venture Global kicks off CP2 LNG site work

US LNG exporter Venture Global said it had initiated full mobilization and started site work at the company’s third LNG export facility, CP2 LNG.

Cheniere kicks off Sabine Pass LNG maintenance

US LNG exporting giant Cheniere has started planned maintenance at its Sabine Pass LNG export facility in Louisiana.

More News Like This

China’s Hudong-Zhonghua delivers its 50th LNG carrier

Chinese shipbuilder Hudong-Zhonghua has delivered its 50th liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier.

Ocean Yield to boost stake in France LNG Shipping

KKR-backed Ocean Yield has agreed to increase its stake in LNG carrier owner France LNG Shipping.

ONE plans LNG-powered containership order

Ocean Network Express (ONE), a joint venture of Japan's NYK, MOL, and K Line is eyeing an order for LNG dual-fuel container vessels, according to shipbuilding sources.

QatarEnergy LNG carrier named in China

China’s Hudong-Zhonghua hosted a naming ceremony for one 174,000-cbm liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier built as part of the massive QatarEnergy shipbuilding program.