UTM Offshore boss Julius Rone takes Nigerian LNG innovation to the world, winning global acclaim and invitations to presidential roundtables

For Julius Rone, Group Managing Director of UTM Offshore Limited (UTMOL), the past 13 years have been nothing short of a strategic ascent to the top of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. And now, his ingenuity is earning global recognition.

Also read: Julius Rone leads discussion on interconnected gas markets at NOG2025

Born in Delta State, Rone has grown from a determined entrepreneur into one of Africa’s leading energy magnates.

At the heart of his legacy is a trailblazing achievement: floating Nigeria’s first indigenous Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility — a milestone that has since become a reference point across the continent.

Where others hesitated, Rone dared. In a volatile industry fraught with uncertainty, he chose to dream boldly — and execute meticulously.

Today, UTMOL stands as a shining example of African excellence in global energy innovation.

Over the past decade, Rone has taken his message to international platforms — from boardrooms to business summits, from energy roundtables to high-level investment forums.

He has gained the respect of global energy decision-makers, often representing Nigeria and Africa at top-tier gatherings.

One such event was the Gastech Exhibition and Conference in Milan, where he was among the standout African delegates shaping conversations around the future of gas.

Recently, Rone’s presence has been felt at major presidentially endorsed international forums, including the India-Nigeria Business Roundtable and the Brazil-Nigeria Investment Summit, both attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

These invitations are not just symbolic; they reflect Rone’s growing influence as a thought leader in Africa’s energy transition and a key driver of Nigeria’s economic aspirations.

“Julius Rone is not only building infrastructure — he’s building confidence in Nigeria’s potential to lead on the world stage,” said an industry analyst at the Milan summit.

Under Rone’s leadership, UTM Offshore has continued to expand its footprint, championing clean energy solutions and technological innovation.

His company’s Floating LNG (FLNG) project, which recently earned acclaim as one of Africa’s top LNG initiatives, is expected to boost domestic gas utilisation, generate jobs, and reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint.

Rone’s mission aligns with national priorities — from energy security to infrastructure development — and his work is now seen as a template for African-led energy innovation.

In his own words, Rone has often said:

“Good things can come out of Africa — not just in concept, but in execution.”