ICYMI: NLNG denies planning to shut down gas plant for maintenance in 2024

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Ltd has denied reports that it plans to shut down its six-train plant for maintenance next year.

Over the weekend, reports had shown that the company was planning a total shutdown of its six-train, 22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA)-capacity plant in Finima, Bonny Island, Rivers State, over a proposed maintenance operation scheduled to commence by February or March 2024,

Debunking this claim in a statement on Monday, Andy Odeh, general manager, external relations and sustainable development, NLNG, said the report is ‘false’.

Odeh said temporarily taking off a specific train or unit offline for maintenance purposes does not entail a complete shutdown of the entire plant.

He said the planned maintenance is part of its regular production calendar and that the company has a proven track record of carrying out maintenance without disrupting production.

“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’,” 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.

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

Odeh said NLNG has a track record of global achievements during turnaround maintenance, having consistently set high standards in safety and project management that ensure the continued operational efficiency of its assets.

The company said that it is committed to the safe and uninterrupted functioning of its plant.