Welaptega and STAT-Marine partnership wins Nigerian FPSO contact with ExxonMobil and ENI

Leading underwater inspection services provider Welaptega has delivered on contracts to support two energy supermajors in West Africa, following a strategic partnership with engineering and training organisation STAT-Marine Nigeria Ltd.

The awards saw the Ashtead Technology-owned business inspect the mooring systems on two floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels for ExxonMobil and ENI in Nigerian waters.

Welaptega undertook inspection services on ENI’s Abo FPSO, on the western edge of the Niger Delta, at water depths of 550-1100 metres. It also inspected moorings on ExxonMobil’s Usan FPSO in the Gulf of Guinea at depths of up to 850 metres.

Using its advanced chain measurement system (CMS) technology, Welaptega chain inspections can be completed up to 40% faster when compared to traditional methods. By using optical systems to take three separate measurements, chain diameter measurements can be assessed from video footage instead of requiring equipment to physically grip the chain.

Tyler de Gier, Welaptega General Manager, said: “This partnership is part of our ambitious growth strategy and the completion of two recent projects in the region highlights the importance of a local presence backed up by international capability for our clients.

“Nigeria is currently the largest oil producer in Africa, and our technology is ideally-placed to service assets and monitor corrosion caused by the warm Atlantic Ocean waters.”

Ronye Egborge, STAT-Marine Nigeria Managing Director, said: “STAT-Marine is known for excellence in subsea engineering and technical consultancy services.

“The partnership with Welaptega provides an opportunity for us to increase local expertise in underwater inspection of mooring systems and to grow our business in Nigeria. It is a win-win for both entities.”