Sonangol Quenquela and Sonangol Libongos
Rig Readiness Project
Client: Sonangol
Location: Namibia, Offshore
Project Year: March 2019 – Ongoing
Project Summary
Nikham Energy was contracted to facilitate the rig readiness of the Sonangol Quenquela and Sonangol Libongos, two crucial assets in Sonangol’s offshore drilling fleet. Both rigs are central to Sonangol’s operations, known for their robust design and capability to operate efficiently in challenging offshore environments. This project aimed to ensure these rigs were fully prepared for upcoming drilling campaigns, with all systems and components functioning at optimal levels.
Nikham Role
To support this long-term project, Nikham provided essential logistical and operational services, ensuring the smooth execution of the rig readiness activities. The services facilitated included:
- Flight Arrangements: Nikham coordinated the logistics of flying personnel in and out of Namibia, managing schedules to align with the project’s ongoing nature and ensuring that all necessary team members were on-site as required.
- Visa Applications: Handling the visa process for an international workforce, ensuring that all legal requirements were met and that personnel could focus on their tasks without delays.
- Meet & Greet: This will facilitate the swift integration of all crew members into the project environment by offering a seamless arrival experience.
Work Scope
The rig readiness involved a range of technical services aimed at preparing the rigs for efficient operation:
- Manpower: A dedicated team of experts was deployed to carry out various aspects of the rig readiness, including technical assessments and hands-on preparation work.
- Rope Access: Rope access techniques were employed to safely and efficiently reach areas of the rigs that required inspection or maintenance, ensuring that all critical points were addressed.
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Advanced NDT methods were used to assess the integrity of the rigs’ structures, identifying any potential weaknesses or areas requiring repair before drilling operations commence.
- Maintenance: Comprehensive maintenance services were provided to ensure that all systems and components of the rigs were in top condition, ready to support the demanding nature of offshore drilling.
Outcome
As an ongoing project, the rig readiness operations have so far ensured that the Quenquela and Libongos are maintained to the highest standards, with all necessary preparations in place for their continued use in offshore drilling. Nikham’s involvement has been pivotal in maintaining the project’s momentum, providing consistent support and expert services that have kept the rigs on track for operational readiness. The ongoing nature of this project demonstrates Nikham’s commitment to long-term partnerships and its ability to deliver sustained excellence in offshore support services.