The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has successfully completed a series of complex and critical pipeline maintenance activities, ensuring the safe and uninterrupted transportation of natural gas across the region.

The maintenance, which involved subsea valve replacements and offshore pipeline pigging, was executed without any recorded injuries or lost time, reinforcing WAPCo’s commitment to operational safety and efficiency.

WAPCo’s General Manager of Operations & Maintenance, Auwal Ibrahim, commended the teams involved in the project for their dedication, problem-solving skills, and swift response to challenges encountered during the maintenance work.

“WAPCo is grateful to the teams that executed these critical maintenance activities across Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and aboard the HD Pioneer.
“Their professionalism, expertise, and dynamism ensured safe, efficient, and successful completion.”
Auwal Ibrahim, WAPCo’s General Manager of Operations & Maintenance

WAPCo management expressed satisfaction with the successful execution of the maintenance operations and credited the achievement to the diligence and professionalism of its team and contractors.

Hydrodive Nigeria Limited, Schlumberger, Topline Nigeria Limited, and the Dive Support Vessel HD Pioneer crew played instrumental roles in ensuring that the maintenance was carried out in line with WAPCo’s stringent safety protocols.

The company also acknowledged the unwavering support of its shareholders—Chevron, Shell, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC Ltd.), and the Volta River Authority (VRA)—for providing industry experts to facilitate the technical aspects of the project.

Special recognition was given to the Nigeria Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC) and the VRA for their contributions in maintaining uninterrupted gas flow and uptake, which were essential for offshore pipeline pigging and inspection activities.

The company also expressed appreciation to Naval and Maritime Authorities in Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, as well as relevant regulatory bodies and stakeholders, for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the seamless execution of the project.

Ensuring Future Operational Efficiency

The successful completion of these maintenance activities marks a significant milestone in WAPCo’s operational roadmap, reinforcing its commitment to providing reliable gas transportation services across West Africa.

The company’s ability to conduct large-scale maintenance with minimal disruptions highlights its technical prowess and strategic coordination with industry partners.

With the offshore pipeline infrastructure now in optimal condition, WAPCo is well-positioned to continue meeting the energy demands of its customers in Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria while maintaining a strong focus on safety and environmental sustainability.

The maintenance work undertaken was extensive and included “Essential for maintaining the structural integrity and safety of the pipeline, and a process that involves cleaning and inspecting the gas pipeline to prevent blockages and ensure optimal flow.”

While Ghana, Togo, and Benin experienced temporary shutdowns during the maintenance, operations in Nigeria remained active, ensuring the movement of the Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG) for thorough assessment.

These activities were strategically executed within the same timeframe to minimize operational disruptions, demonstrating WAPCo’s meticulous planning and technical expertise.

WAPCo’s recent maintenance activities demonstrate the company’s proactive approach to ensuring the integrity of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), a critical infrastructure supporting regional energy security.

The success of the project reflects effective stakeholder collaboration, meticulous planning, and strict adherence to safety standards.

As WAPCo continues to invest in the resilience of its pipeline network, it reinforces its role as a key player in Africa’s energy sector, contributing to economic growth and sustainable development in the region.