Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has a report that claimed the company would embark on a total shutdown of its six-train plant for maintenance purposes by February or March 2024.
The report, published on 12th November 2023, titled “Gas Supply Constraints May Worsen in Nigeria, Europe as NLNG Embarks on Plant Maintenance by February 2024,” suggested that the planned maintenance operation would disrupt the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to domestic and international markets.
However, in a press statement issued by NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh, on 12th November 2023, the company clarified that the report was false and inaccurate, and that the maintenance operation would not entail a complete shutdown of the entire plant.
Rather, it would be a routine turnaround maintenance, referred to technically as a “Shutdown,” which would only affect a specific train or unit at a time, while the rest of the plant would continue to operate normally.
The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to a Thisday newspaper report on 12th November 2023 titled “Gas Supply Constraints May Worsen in Nigeria, Europe as NLNG Embarks on Plant Maintenance by February 2024.”
“The report 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.
“NLNG categorically states that this report is false. 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.”
“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.
“NLNG takes exception to the disconcerting lack of factual accuracy in the report, highlighting the evident absence of discretion.
“The company emphasises 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.
“A classic example of NLNG’s achievements is 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. 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. It is this kind of engineering excellence and unparalleled maintenance execution discipline that NLNG is known for.
“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.
“In light of these discrepancies, NLNG urges for accuracy in conveying the nuanced details of the energy industry.“
