‘NLNG Not Shutting Operations Over Planned Maintenance’

The Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas NLNG, has denied a report insinuating a total shutdown of operations following planned routine maintenance.

General manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development of the company, Andy Odeh, said this follows a media report titled “Gas Supply Constraints May Worsen in Nigeria, Europe as NLNG Embarks on Plant Maintenance by February 2024.”

The report, Odeh, alluded to an alleged total shutdown of Nigeria LNG Limited’s (NLNG’s) six-train plant over a proposed maintenance operation scheduled for February or March 2024.

The NLNG categorically states that this report is false adding that the Company’s commitment to the safe and uninterrupted functioning of its plant underscores the significance of routine turnaround maintenance, referred to technically as a “Shutdown.”

Odeh said, “Contrary to the report’s assertions, a routine turnaround maintenance, while temporarily taking a specific train or unit offline for maintenance purposes, does not entail a complete shutdown of the entire plant.

“The meticulous planning and execution of this essential activity allows for the seamless transfer of production loads to unaffected trains, resulting in minimal impact on overall production. The “shutdown” alluded to in the report is a routine turnaround maintenance and is part of NLNG’s production calendar.”

He said the NLNG takes exception to the disconcerting lack of factual accuracy in the report, highlighting the evident absence of discretion.

The company further emphasised its track record of global achievements during turnaround maintenance, consistently setting high standards in safety and project management to ensure the continued operational efficiency of its assets.

Odeh, went on to give a classic example of NLNG’s achievements in the deployment of the Add-On Gate Valve (AOGV) technology in 2022 which involved the replacement of a critical valve while the plant remained online and active.

He said the NLNG plant was the first in Africa to implement this technology and its 36” line was the largest pipe size across the globe that the AOGV has ever been deployed on, adding, “It is this kind of engineering excellence and unparalleled maintenance execution discipline that NLNG is known for.”

He insisted that the report was not fact-based and was deprived of any balance, in contradiction to the ethics of responsible journalism, as no spokesperson of the Company was reached for comments and urged for accuracy in conveying the nuanced details of the energy industry.