Nigerian companies are playing key roles in the turnaround maintenance (TAM) at Bonga, as Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) executes statutory activities that will ensure continuous optimum operations at the deep-water field. Nearly all the bolts and nuts as well as fabrications used for the exercise are made in Nigeria, marking a turning point in SNEPCo’s efforts to encourage Nigerian content development.

“This is an operation safely in Nigerian hands, with Nigerian engineers and companies playing leading roles and ensuring the objectives of the exercise are achieved,” said Bayo Ojulari, SNEPCo Managing Director. The turnaround maintenance commenced on 4th March 2017, involves three major components – statutory and regulatory safety checks, inspections, repairs and replacement of equipment and upgrades – to ensure safety, optimum production, availability and reliability. It is also part of the base case design of the FPSO to carry out TAM on every 30 months basis.

Mr. Ojulari said: “The plan is to successfully conclude the ramp of activities and resume production as planned in April, 2017. It is not proper to interpret the period as production loss to Nigeria. Rather, the turnaround maintenance is a series of planned and controlled activities that are implemented in collaboration with government and other stakeholders – with the aim of ensuring the continued safety and productivity of the facility. The planning started two years ago and safety is top priority in every stage of the activities.”

The turnaround maintenance is the 4th since Bonga began production in 2005. Bonga won the ‘Asset of the Year’ Award 2016 in the Shell Group. Bonga is Nigeria’s first deep water development in depths of more than 1,000 metres, and is located 120km offshore Nigeria.

SNEPCo operates Bonga in partnership with Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Deep Water) Limited, Total E&P Nigeria Limited and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited under a Production Sharing Contract with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

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