The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCO) has announced a revised schedule for its upcoming offshore pipeline cleaning and inspection operation, widely referred to as “pigging.”
This adjustment reflects changes to the originally planned timeline for the crucial exercise, which is designed to ensure the integrity and smooth operation of the offshore pipeline.
According to WAPCO, the updated schedule will be followed to carry out the cleaning and inspection processes more efficiently, with minimal disruption to service.
“Initially set to commence on January 20, 2025, the offshore pigging has been rescheduled to start on February 3, 2025, to better accommodate the interests of key stakeholders”.
West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCO)
WAPCO further explained that the upcoming four-week exercise will involve a temporary suspension of the reverse gas flow from Ghana’s Western Region to Tema, as well as the shutdown of critical facilities located in Tema, Ghana, Lomé, Togo, and Cotonou, Benin.
This planned shutdown is necessary for the replacement of subsea valves at these key strategic locations.
According to WAPCO, the replacement process is aimed at significantly improving the operational safety of the gas pipeline network.
Additionally, the maintenance activity forms part of WAPCO’s broader efforts to ensure long-term reliability and efficiency in the supply of natural gas across the region.
The company has assured stakeholders that the exercise will be conducted with minimal disruption to service, with plans in place to manage any potential impacts.
Pipeline Inspection to Ensure Long-Term Gas Supply Reliability
Furthermore, WAPCO emphasized that the upcoming comprehensive cleaning and inspection exercise is a critical regulatory requirement.
According to WPCO, it also aligns with established industry best practices to ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP).
The scope of the project covers the entire pipeline infrastructure, stretching from Itoki in Ogun State, Nigeria, all the way to Takoradi in the Western Region of Ghana.
This extensive maintenance effort is designed to enhance the pipeline’s operational integrity, reduce the risk of potential disruptions, and improve overall performance.
By conducting this exercise, WAPCO aims to maintain high safety standards while ensuring the long-term reliability of the gas supply across the West African region.
“The cleaning exercise is in two phases. The first phase, completed in December 2024, involved cleaning and inspecting the onshore section of the pipeline within Nigeria.
“The second phase scheduled to run from February 3 to March 2, 2025, will focus on the offshore section of the WAGP, stretching from Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria to Takoradi, Western Region, Ghana”.
West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCO)
WAPCO also highlighted that, in line with industry regulations, it is obligated to carry out these inspections every five years.
This requirement is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to uphold the integrity of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) and ensure its long-term, safe, and reliable operation throughout the West African region.
These regular inspections are essential for identifying potential weaknesses or wear within the pipeline, allowing WAPCO to carry out necessary maintenance and improvements.
By doing so, the company aims to prevent disruptions and ensure a consistent and secure supply of gas, which is vital for meeting the energy needs of the region.
Meanwhile, the delay of the pigging operation by WAPCO has eased concerns regarding possible power outages in Ghana as it alleviated concerns that WAPCO would be unable to transport gas to the country, which could have had a significant impact on the energy supply.
In response to these growing fears of power shortages, GRIDCo recently emphasized that to mitigate the risk of “dumsor” (power outages), the government will need to secure a total of US$ 89.90 million.
This funding would be used to purchase liquid fuel necessary for running thermal plants and ensure that electricity demand is met during the maintenance period.
Without this financial support, there is a genuine concern that the energy shortfall could lead to widespread power interruptions across the country.
