In The Spotlight
![The CongoLNG project will be significant in meeting the country's energy needs. (Image source: Adobe Stock) LNG facility](/images/2024/july/ABL-Eni-CongoLNG.webp#joomlaImage://local-images/2024/july/ABL-Eni-CongoLNG.webp?width=787&height=399)
The CongoLNG project will be significant in meeting the country's energy needs. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Energy and marine consultancy ABL has been appointed by Eni to provide marine warranty survey services (MWS) for the offshore transportation and installation (T&I) campaign for Phase 2 of the Marine XII Congo LNG development project
Phase 2 of the project envisages the fabrication, transportation and installation of a new floating LNG vessel (FLNG), a converted floating separation, storage and booster unit (FSU), wellhead platforms and associated tie-in pipelines and ancillaries offshore the Republic of Congo.
The CongoLNG project that commenced in April 2023 is expected to reach an overall production capacity of 3 mn tons per year (approximately 4.5 bn cu/m per year) from 2025.
ABL’s scope of work includes the technical review of key project and procedural documentation, drawings and calculations, the suitability surveys of the proposed marine fleet for all T&I operations, and on-site attendance to review and approve attendances for warranted operations.
The company's involvement on the project is expected to run from 2024 until the completion of the offshore works. It has also supported Phase 1 since February 2023. ABL’s operation in France will lead the company’s scope of work.
Supporting energy infrastructure
“Winning this latest project in the Congo is a testament to the successful work we have been doing in the country over many years, establishing ABL France as the leading technical consultant for the successful and safe delivery of energy infrastructure projects in Africa’s Francophone countries,” said Guillaume Henin, operational manager for ABL’s activities in Congo.
ABL France, based in Paris, provides the company’s full technical offering to support renewables, maritime and oil & gas sectors in France, Benelux countries, Spain and Francophone Africa.
“We are really pleased to continue our work in supporting the Republic of Congo’s energy infrastructure with this key project,” Henin said.
In September 2023, Congo witnessed a mega deal that was signed between SNPC, Eni Congo, Lukoil, and Eni SPA for the purchase and sale of LNG.
ABL’s operations in Africa cover a coast-to-coast footprint, with offices in Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and Mauritania, South Africa, and Egypt. Additional marine surveyor presence includes Algeria and Namibia.
TotalEnergies has contracted tubular solutions provider Vallourec to source 5,000 tonnes of OCTG solutions and associated services for the Kaminho deepwater project
Situated on Block 20, 100 km off the coast of Angola, Vallourec will supply VAM connections with its green, dope-free solution, Cleanwell.
Early this month, a deal for 13-well subsea production system, including associated equipment and services, was closed by Total with SLB OneSubsea venture for the development of the Kaminho project.
Providing offshore expertise
Vallourec will also provide its offshore expertise via VAM Field Service as well as its tubular management services (TMS) offering, which ensures tubes preparation and inspection before they are dispatched for the drilling platform. This service also covers the phase when the tubes are returened for storage.
While the products will be manufactured at the company's production hubs in France, Brazil, and Indonesia, Vallourec has a strong customer base across Africa, especially in Nigeria, Gabon, Congo, and Mozambique.
In Namibia, the company has supplied around 5,000 tonnes of tubes and connections. also for a TotalEnergies project. Recently, TotalEnergies have farmed into Block 3B/4B in Orange Basin.
Philippe Guillemot, chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, said, “We are proud to support TotalEnergies in its developments and exploration projects. I would like to thank the Vallourec teams for their commitment.”
Invictus Energy Limited has provided an update on operations at its 80%-owned SG 4571 licence in Zimbabwe’s Cabora Bassa Basin
The SG 4571 Licence containing Mukuyu Discovery has been renewed for further three years.
In March, priliminary composition analysis from the Mukuyu-2 well indicated the presence of high quality natural gas with minimal impurities. Since then, the company has been preparing for the next phase of its appraisal programme and work towards the monetisation of the Mukuyu gas discoveries.
Comprehensive work programme
Geo Associates, the company’s 80%-owned subsidiary and holder of Special Grant 4571 has received notification that its application to extend the tenure of the SG 4571 licence for a further three years has been approved by the Mining Affairs Board. This will be followed by publication in the Government Gazette. The exploration licence for the third period for SG 4571 runs to June 2027. The company plans to undertake a comprehensive work programme for the third three-year exploration period including 3D seismic acquisition and additional exploration/appraisal drilling. The company is able to apply for a production special grant licence at any stage.
Drilling at the Mukuyu-2 appraisal well in SG 4571 commenced on 20 September 2023.
![The acquisition significantly enhances Angola's energy security. (Image source: African Energy Chamber) Etu Energias acquires Galp stakes in Angola](/images/2024/july/PAC-Energias-Angola.webp#joomlaImage://local-images/2024/july/PAC-Energias-Angola.webp?width=787&height=399)
The acquisition significantly enhances Angola's energy security. (Image source: African Energy Chamber)
PAC Capital Limited has announced the completion of a US$443mn acquisition facility for Etu Energias
The deal involves the acquisition of Galp’s stake in Block 32, Block 14, and Block 14K offshore Angola. This transaction follows the recent completion of a US$3.3bn pre-export facility in Nigeria by PAC Capital.
Humphrey Oriakhi, managing director of PAC Capital, said, “This transaction provides the opportunity for another African company to make inroads into these strategic assets, previously dominated by International Oil Companies (IOCs), thereby giving a significant advantage for majority stakes.”
Bolarinwa Sanni, senior director at PAC Capital, said, “This deal is not just a significant milestone for Etu Energias but also a transformative step towards strengthening local ownership and control of key energy assets in Angola. We are proud to have facilitated this landmark transaction.”
The acquisition transaction, which was finalised on the sidelines of the 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM) and the third AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) in Nassau, Bahamas, includes Galp’s 5% non-operating stake in Block 32, 9% non-operating stake in Block 14, and 4.5% non-operating stake in Block 14K.
Etu Energias enters deepwater production
“The close collaboration between the different parties was fundamental to the success of this business, which represents Etu Energias’ entry into deepwater oil production. The conclusion of this transaction demonstrates the resilience of our company and represents a huge step in our strategy to build a profitable and diversified portfolio,” said Edson R. Dos Santos, Etu Energias´s chairman and CEO. “PAC Capital’s expertise and dedication were instrumental in securing this acquisition. Their skilful strategic fund arrangement ensured the successful closure of this complex transaction, positioning us to become a leading player in Angola's oil and gas sector.”
This acquisition significantly enhances Angola's energy security by empowering local companies to own strategic petroleum assets, thereby strengthening the nation’s energy sector. It marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to boost local participation and leadership in the oil and gas industry in Angola.
![The agreement will allow TGS to manage and license more than 132,000 sq kms of seismic data, both 2D and 3D. (Image source: TGS) seismic data Tanzania](/images/2024/june/PURA_Seismic_Tanzania_TGS.webp#joomlaImage://local-images/2024/june/PURA_Seismic_Tanzania_TGS.webp?width=787&height=399)
The agreement will allow TGS to manage and license more than 132,000 sq kms of seismic data, both 2D and 3D. (Image source: TGS)
By agreement, Tanzania’s Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) has given energy data and intelligence company TGS full access to the region's extensive offshore subsurface data
The agreement will allow TGS to manage and license more than 132,000 sq kms of seismic data, both 2D and 3D.
Tanzania boasts strong play diversity, proven through exploration success across much of the stratigraphy, from Early Cretaceous to Miocene reservoirs. The comprehensive dataset comprises of regional seismic as well as well data, unlocking insights into the basin's evolution and structural history.
It will help identify hydrocarbon plays, allow for prospect-specific analysis, mapping of robust trapping configurations, and help understand the maturity and distribution of source rocks.
Besides exclusive rights to license all of Tanzania’s offshore mainland data, TGS is also free to acquire new seismic data and reprocess existing data.
The company can support upcoming licensing rounds, which is expected to start next year. Tanzania is now ranked third in sub-Saharan Africa for future investment, anticipating 6% GDP growth by 2025, with million-dollar investments in infrastructure, and LNG, among other sectors.
Attractive exploration target
David Hajovsky, EVP of multi-client at TGS, said, “Tanzania remains an attractive exploration target with its world-class gas fields and excellent sands proven across multiple source intervals. By providing access to high-quality seismic data ahead of potential future licensing activities, TGS will empower exploration and production companies to evaluate opportunities in this under-explored but highly promising region of East Africa.”
TGS has also signed an agreement recently with the national oil company of Liberia (NOCAL) for data access expansion in the region.
![The CongoLNG project will be significant in meeting the country's energy needs. (Image source: Adobe Stock) LNG facility](/images/2024/july/ABL-Eni-CongoLNG.webp#joomlaImage://local-images/2024/july/ABL-Eni-CongoLNG.webp?width=787&height=399)
The CongoLNG project will be significant in meeting the country's energy needs. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Energy and marine consultancy ABL has been appointed by Eni to provide marine warranty survey services (MWS) for the offshore transportation and installation (T&I) campaign for Phase 2 of the Marine XII Congo LNG development project
Phase 2 of the project envisages the fabrication, transportation and installation of a new floating LNG vessel (FLNG), a converted floating separation, storage and booster unit (FSU), wellhead platforms and associated tie-in pipelines and ancillaries offshore the Republic of Congo.
The CongoLNG project that commenced in April 2023 is expected to reach an overall production capacity of 3 mn tons per year (approximately 4.5 bn cu/m per year) from 2025.
ABL’s scope of work includes the technical review of key project and procedural documentation, drawings and calculations, the suitability surveys of the proposed marine fleet for all T&I operations, and on-site attendance to review and approve attendances for warranted operations.
The company's involvement on the project is expected to run from 2024 until the completion of the offshore works. It has also supported Phase 1 since February 2023. ABL’s operation in France will lead the company’s scope of work.
Supporting energy infrastructure
“Winning this latest project in the Congo is a testament to the successful work we have been doing in the country over many years, establishing ABL France as the leading technical consultant for the successful and safe delivery of energy infrastructure projects in Africa’s Francophone countries,” said Guillaume Henin, operational manager for ABL’s activities in Congo.
ABL France, based in Paris, provides the company’s full technical offering to support renewables, maritime and oil & gas sectors in France, Benelux countries, Spain and Francophone Africa.
“We are really pleased to continue our work in supporting the Republic of Congo’s energy infrastructure with this key project,” Henin said.
In September 2023, Congo witnessed a mega deal that was signed between SNPC, Eni Congo, Lukoil, and Eni SPA for the purchase and sale of LNG.
ABL’s operations in Africa cover a coast-to-coast footprint, with offices in Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and Mauritania, South Africa, and Egypt. Additional marine surveyor presence includes Algeria and Namibia.
![Following the commissioning phase, Keda Ceramics will consume up to 6 mmscfd. (Image source: Adobe Stock) gas cylinders](/images/2024/july/perenco-cameroon-gas-to-industry.webp#joomlaImage://local-images/2024/july/perenco-cameroon-gas-to-industry.webp?width=787&height=399)
Following the commissioning phase, Keda Ceramics will consume up to 6 mmscfd. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Perenco Cameroon has announced the launch of the Perenco Group's first gas-to-industry supply project in Central Africa with delivery of gas from the Bipaga Gas Processing Centre, operated by Perenco Cameroon, to the ceramic manufacturing plant of Keda Ceramics
The gas is being transported via the 6 km pipeline built and operated by the Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH) and is being used to power the factory's electrical generators, as well as the kilns necessary for the manufacturing of ceramic tiles by Keda.
Following the commissioning phase, the factory will consume up to 6 mmscfd and will ensure the production of approximately 20 mn cu/m of tiles of different sizes intended for the local Cameroonian market, which equates to approximately two thirds of the domestic requirement. The start of production of this important factory, the largest in operation in Central Africa, will help to create approximately 2,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Kribi region.
The supply of gas from the Bipaga Processing Centre, framed by a gas sales contract (GSA) signed in September 2022 between Perenco Cameroon and its partner SNH, is valid for 20 years. This new energy supply is key to regional industrial development and enables Keda to achieve the required technical specifications for the most economical production of ceramics, while utilising clean, low-cost energy.
The move also aligns with the International Monetary Fund's 2023 prediction that in the coming years, LNG will become a key driver of economic activity in the Central African country.
Gas strategy gains steam
Keda Ceramics is now a new industrial client for the Sanaga Sud Association and its partners Perenco Cameroon and SNH. This project represents a significant growth opportunity which secures the industrial future of the Bipaga-Sanaga site and enables Perenco Cameroon to pursue its gas strategy initiated 15 years ago.
The conclusion of this project was marked by an inauguration ceremony for the new facilities, attended by SNH and local Cameroonian authorities. Yves Postec, managing director of Perenco in Cameroon, said, “Perenco Cameroon’s first gas-to-industry project marks an important milestone and strengthens the fruitful and historic partnership between Perenco Cameroon and SNH. The delivery of gas to Keda Ceramics builds upon our successful track record of project delivery in collaboration with SNH in Cameroon, such as the 20-year production sharing agreement for Rio del Rey signed last year and our joint contract for Golar LNG’s Hilli FLNG unit. Our goal in delivering these projects is centred on exploiting and developing Cameroon’s gas resources to support the social, industrial and economic development of Cameroon. Perenco Cameroon’s efforts to achieve this goal are only made possible through our continued cooperation with our partners at SNH who share our vision for transforming Cameroon.”
![Gas yield from OML 58 is processed in the Obite treatment centre for supply to NLNG. (Image source: Adobe Stock) oil and gas processing plant](/images/2024/june/Total-Energies-NNPC-Ubeta.webp#joomlaImage://local-images/2024/june/Total-Energies-NNPC-Ubeta.webp?width=787&height=399)
Gas yield from OML 58 is processed in the Obite treatment centre for supply to NLNG. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
TotalEnergies and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd has reached a final investment decision (FID) for the development of the Ubeta gas field
Located about 80 km northwest of Port Harcourt in Rivers state, the Ubeta gas field falls under OML 58 onshore license which is operated by TotalEnergies with a 40% interest while NNPC holds the other 60%.
The development plan includes the installation of a 11 km buried pipeline to connect Ubeta's new six-well cluster to the existing Obite facilities, thus allowing emissions reduction and cost efficiency. A 5 MW solar plant is currently under construction at Obite to further alleviate carbon intensity. A completely electrified drilling rig will be deployed for production which is due to start in 2027.
During COP28, TotalEnergies signed an agreement with NNPCL among other African oil companies to deploy its advanced drone-based technology AUSEA on oil & gas facilities in Nigeria, and soon after, an inspection of OML 100 field in south-eastern Niger Delta confirmed that their joint venture has achieved zero routine gas flaring across all its assets, including OML 58.
Favourable government initiatives
While things are looking up in terms of sustainable practices, Nigeria is also focusing on production optimisation, and its recent collaboration with SLB testifies this approach.
The Ubeta field capacity is expected at approximately 70,000 bopd including condensates. The Obagi oil field and the Ibewa gas and condensate field that also belong within OML 58 are currently in production. The gas yield is processed in the Obite treatment centre for supply to the Nigerian domestic gas market as well as Nigeria LNG (NLNG) plant.
TotalEnergies owns a 15% interest in NLNG, which is a liquefaction plant in Bonny Island, with an on-going capacity expansion from 22-30 Mtpa.
With more than 90% of manhours to be worked locally, the major, along with NNPCL, is aiming to enhance local content.
“Ubeta is the latest in a series of projects developed by TotalEnergies in Nigeria, most recently Ikike and Akpo West. I am pleased that we can launch this new gas project which has been made possible by the Government’s recent incentives for non-associated gas developments. Ubeta fits perfectly with our strategy of developing low-cost and low-emission projects, and will contribute to the Nigerian economy through higher NLNG exports,” said Mike Sangster, senior vice president - Africa, exploration and production at TotalEnergies.
![The conference brings together the brightest minds and technical experts from across the energy value chain. (Image source: dmg events) ADIPEC 2024 technical conference](/images/2024/july/ADIPEC_24_Technical_conference_infographic_0701.webp#joomlaImage://local-images/2024/july/ADIPEC_24_Technical_conference_infographic_0701.webp?width=787&height=399)
The conference brings together the brightest minds and technical experts from across the energy value chain. (Image source: dmg events)
The ADIPEC 2024 Technical Conference has received a record 5,977 submissions, a 16% increase over last year, with major submission growth seen in the AI and Digital Transformation and Energy Transition and Decarbonisation categories, and increased submissions from African and Arab states.
The ADIPEC Technical Conference is a key part of ADIPEC, the world’s largest energy event, which takes place on 4-7 November 2024 in Abu Dhabi. Organised by SPE, the Technical Conference this year will feature 159 sessions across 12 categories, for which energy experts and engineers from around the world submit their work to be considered for presentation.
“As chairman of the ADIPEC Technical Conference, I am immensely proud to announce a historic milestone of 5,977 technical submissions received this year. This unprecedented volume of contributions underscores ADIPEC's vital role as a premier forum for innovative dialogue and exchange within the global energy sector. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all authors – the pioneering experts that continue to drive our industry forward, fostering the advancements and collaborative spirit necessary to meet the evolving demands of our world,” said Dr. Khaled Abdul Monem Al Kindi, Senior Vice President, Upper Zakum, ADNOC Offshore and ADIPEC 2024 Technical Conference Programme Chair.
Continuing its 40-year legacy of energy leadership and innovation, ADIPEC 2024 aims to be a driving force for accelerated energy action. This year, the event sets out a renewed vision, gathering diverse voices from communities, nations, and industries to find collective solutions that can deliver affordable, secure, and sustainable energy for all.
As a key part of ADIPEC’s portfolio of 10 conferences, the ADIPEC Technical Conference brings together the brightest minds and technical experts from across the energy value chain – the changemakers at the forefront of engineering, technology and industry innovation.
The two submission categories that saw the biggest increases were Energy Transition and Decarbonisation and AI and Digital Transformation, with 38% and 32% jumps respectively. These increases reveal the energy industry’s growing focus on emerging digital technologies and efforts to decarbonise in support of the energy transition, which are a major focus of ADIPEC this year, reflected across its dynamic conference and exhibition agenda.
A significant increase was also recorded in the number of submissions from Arab and African countries over last year, rising 50% and 28% respectively. Double-digit growth was also recorded in submissions from the Asia & Pacific Region, North America, and the Middle East. The ADIPEC Technical Conference also saw experts from 25% more companies submit their work for presentation.
Christopher Hudson, president of dmg events, the organiser of ADIPEC, said: "Decarbonisation presents many challenges and opportunities for all sectors. ADIPEC’s focus on platforming low-carbon energy innovations to power industry, empower lives, and accelerate global prosperity makes its Technical Conference a critical forum to advance a sustainable, secure and equitable energy future. This year’s record number of submissions, along with the substantial increases in geographical and category-specific contributions, highlights the alignment of our agenda with the industry's needs and the global commitment to be part of the solution."