NIMASA announced the installation ceremony of the Thorium-X tablet, a fuel consumption data collection device, on board a Nigerian-flagged fuel tanker vessel, MT KINGIS, commencing the process targeted at ending green-house gas emissions on vessels. The pilot project aims at reducing fuel consumption by vessels.
Specifically, the project is a result of the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre (MTCC) conference held in Kenya in March. As MTCC targets developing countries, Nigeria was a priority, therefore was nominated for the pilot project.
The fuel consumption data collection device is in line with the IMO’s decision on reducing fuel consumption by vessels, as well as GHG and CO2 emissions on voyages.
The Head of the Marine Environment Management Unit at NIMASA, Dr (Mrs.) Felicia Mogo, representative of Director-General Dr Dakuku Peterside, noted
NIMASA is ensuring that we are keeping to global best practices with a commendable track record in administration and regulation in the maritime sector.
Moreover, she continued that the pilot project will last one year, then it will go to IMO’s global portal after every voyage. Reports will be collated and sent after a three-month period. The findings and analysis are then recorded and reported at the end of the year to inform the country the amount of fuel being consumed annually on each voyage and how much GHG is being emitted.
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MT KINGIS’s owner Musa Ado Ibn-Saidu reported that the crew was keen on using the tablet, and further, thanked NIMASA that trained its seafarers on the operation and on the usage of the Thorium-X tablet, stating that they are appreciative of the efforts the Agency is making to reduce GHG emissions and save the climate.
In addition, the tablet consists of inbuilt internet capability for ease of communication of data, and also a dedicated software to calculate Energy Efficiency Operation Index (EEOI) of voyaging vessels.
The results coming from the findings will facilitate decisions in maritime policy formation as it relates to GHG emissions from ships and its effect on climate and environment.
