Project Summary

Nikham Energy was contracted by Puma Energy to complete the debranding of five large storage tanks at the Walvis Bay Tank Terminal. This task involved removing the existing Puma logos from the tanks and preparing the surfaces for new signage, all while adhering to stringent safety protocols in a hazardous environment.

Work Scope

The work scope involved several key activities:

• Rope Access: A skilled rope access team, including one Level 3 Supervisor, two Level 1 Technicians, and one NACE Coating Inspector, was deployed. The team rigged ropes to safely reach the elevated areas where the logos were located.
• Sanding and Surface Preparation: Due to safety concerns, no electrical tools were allowed on-site. The team used hand tools to sand down the logos, creating a proper surface profile for the new coatings. Following sanding, the surfaces were washed with clean water to remove dirt and salts and dried thoroughly.
• Priming: The prepared surfaces were coated with SigmaCover 380 primer. The primer was allowed to cure fully, after which the surfaces were washed again to ensure all salts were removed.
• Topcoat Application: SigmaDur 520 topcoat was then applied, covering the areas where the logos had been removed. This provided a neat, professional finish, preparing the tanks for the next branding phase.
• Safety and Inspection: The project included daily toolbox talks, safety assessments, and strict adherence to safety protocols, including prohibiting electrical equipment on-site due to fire hazards. Environmental conditions such as weather, relative humidity, and steel temperatures were closely monitored to ensure ideal conditions for coating application.
• Equipment Used: The project utilised rope access kits, including harnesses and ropes, and a coating inspection kit for measuring weather and steel surface conditions.

Outcome

The Puma Debranding project was successfully completed within the planned timeframe, with all five tanks safely and perfectly debranded. The surfaces were professionally prepared for new signage, meeting Puma Energy’s expectations. Nikham Energy’s meticulous approach ensured the project was executed without any safety incidents, reflecting their commitment to quality, safety, and precision in even the most challenging environments.