A new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) project in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, has been delayed because of a shipwreck that has blocked access to a jetty that leads to the facility.

The project, developed by Falcon Corp., had recently had its storage tanks completed, along with other important infrastructure.

Speaking in an interview with Realnews, Falcon’s managing director and founder Joe Ezigbo said that the wreck had “prevented LPG carriers from reaching the terminal,” adding: We have finished constructing the tanks but have not started operations because a vessel fell in front of our jetty.”

Once the vessel is removed, the LPG terminal should allow gas cargoes to be offloaded directly at Port Harcourt instead of having to go through Lagos. Falcon’s project comes as part of a broader initiative aiming to improve LPG infrastructure across Nigeria – particularly in its eastern region.

Ezigbo continued to say that “clearing the obstruction is critical to unlocking the benefits of the project,” and concluded that once the jetty was cleared and the facility was operational, LPG supply would be significantly improved across the region.

According to Falcon, the LPG project at Port Harcourt consists of a 15,000-tonne storage facility and dedicated jetty and has been designed to “boost domestic LPG consumption and support Nigeria’s decarbonisation efforts by providing a cleaner alternative to firewood, charcoal, and kerosene.”

The construction of the new jetty and storage facility was first confirmed in 2023, when Ezigbo highlighted that the strategic positioning of the project – close to major gas sources and navigable water routes – would allow for it to revolutionise LPG procurement and distribution.

“The project is set to facilitate and enhance more direct procurement and distribution of LPG, which will dramatically lower conventional delivery and storage costs. Beyond economic gains, we anticipate significant social benefits, including job creation, income growth, health improvements, and environmental sustainability as our customers and communities transition to cleaner fuel options on a larger scale,” he said.