PETAN Seeks Government Support, Effective Policy for FPSO Construction in Nigeria
By Ndubuisi Micheal Obineme
OGR talks to Bank Anthony Okoroafor, Chairman of Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN). PETAN Chairman calls for Government support and strong political will as key to FPSO construction in Nigeria.
PETAN will continue speaking-up for Government to rise up and insist FPSO construction must be done in-country and also review Nigeria’s infrastructure map to addressing it squarely.
He said the most important factor is Government creating an enabling environment through its
policies and there will be changes in the industry as it will also lead to job opportunities within the country.
He further explained that Nigeria has all chances to become West Africa FPSO Yard because the country have enough quay lengths & capacity, draft, heavy load platform, concrete yard for topsides and hull apportment laydown to handle FPSO construction.
He adds: “If the Nigerian Government can take a bold step by providing the necessary policies, there
is no way we cannot insist that FPSO’s, Rigs, Vessels must be built in Nigeria. If we do not put our
foot down, the companies will always give several reasons why we cannot. We must insist, then put
favorable terms for companies to invest on the right infrastructure needed to achieve it”
“After 50 years of oil and gas in Nigeria, it is high time we raise the bar to retain greater value of the revenue in-country. Why? We have great fabrication yards, all modules can be built in country and integrated, all major key players in this market are actually in country, the average man-hours of work could be around 2,000,000 man hours.” says Mr. Okoroafor.
According to Mr. Okoroafor, PETAN has also been helping Nigeria raise the local content bar very high, have many more indigenous companies having the requisite capacities to build FPSO’s, Vessels, Rigs in Nigeria. And, have Nigerian companies lead on major EPCI jobs.
Industry support
Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) is known as a leading organisation that represents oilfield services and technology companies operating across upstream through to downstream projects.
PETAN is a leader in the promotion of innovative engineering and creative solutions, that help advance the petroleum industry both nationally and regionally.
PETAN was established to bring together Nigerian Oil & Gas entrepreneurs to create a forum for the exchange of ideas with the major operators and policy makers.
In 2017, PETAN launched its annual event, West African International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (WAIPEC) to addressing the needs of companies seeking to showcase their innovative solutions and new technologies, and to support the development of major new business and partnerships to benefit West Africa’s petroleum economy.
The event attracts over 200 exhibiting companies, in excess of 25 technical and strategic conference sessions and attract more than 6,000 professional visitors into the exhibition to engage directly with participants. WAIPEC is the only oil and gas event held in partnership with Nigeria’s petroleum
industry.
PETAN have particular expertise and experience in well engineering, drilling and completions, fabrication and construction, EPC, pipelines and facilities such as laying, coating, repair, production operations such as well testing, EPF, O&M, well services such as wireline, slickline, pumping, CT, marine vessels, rov technology and subsea services, seismic acquisition, process and interpretation.
