Instumentation • Computing • Control
West African oil and gas market upbeat as exploration initiatives pick up steam
T
he demand upswing for oil products from West Africa is primarily due to the growing demand for
petroleum products in the United States, China and emerging economies. This has triggered prolific production and exploration initiatives in West Africa. Although there are significant natural gas reserves within the region, production of natural gas is limited primarily to Nigeria with the majority of countries still flaring their natural gas. Nigeria is responsible for 80 per cent of West Africa’s
natural gas exports, accounting for approximately 725 billion cubic feet in 2009. The only other significant exporter of natural gas from the region was Equatorial Guinea with total exports touching 180 billion cubic feet in 2009. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan ,The West African
Oil and Gas Market, finds that the majority of exploration in West Africa is conducted in off-shore basins, such as Gulf of Guinea, Niger Delta, Rio-del-Ray and Duala. Due to recent discoveries, increased production is expected in Nigeria, Congo, Ghana and Equatorial Guinea over the next five years. “Greater focus on natural gas production and
refining in recent years has opened new export markets and generated additional revenues for the West African economies,” says Frost & Sullivan Energy and Power Industry Analyst Ross Bruton. “The development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) refining capacity within West African states, particularly Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and Nigeria is indicative of the future development of the natural gas export market in the region.” A significant challenge to downstream markets
of the region is the low availability of refining capacity and adequate logistical infrastructure. Existing refining capacity operates at very low efficiencies. Therefore, despite being oil rich, most West African states are heavily dependant on imports of refined oil products. Furthermore, once the product is imported, logistical
infrastructure for the movement of product inland is significantly undeveloped. Existing road, rail and pipeline networks are not maintained, resulting in long delays in the delivery of product. Owing to the lack of knowledge in best practices within the industrial sector of the region in engineering,
construction, project development, finance, as well as product and skills sourcing and procurement, the West African region represents a significant opportunity for consultancy services. Consultancy services can provide accurate and up-to-date market intelligence and forecasts as well as specialised expertise in project development to help stimulate industrial growth through foreign direct investment and local business development. “Intensified exploration initiatives are being
undertaken in Ghana following the discovery of the Jubilee field in the deep water Tano Block as well as Gabon, as the government scouts for new ways to counter diminishing oil production,” concludes Bruton. “A firm understanding of license ownership rights and taxes and levies payable, as well as a strong relationship with government departments and decision makers is essential to ramp up the efficiency of upstream operations within the region.” ●
For more information, visit
www.energy.frost.com
Study released on produced water by oil and gas operations in Arctic environments
T
he first comprehensive research study released from the ABS Harsh Environment Technology Center (HETC),
based at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), examines the challenges and management of water produced in association with energy operations in Arctic environments. Produced water represents the largest volume of
waste from oil and gas operations and is associated with significant management costs. Professor Kelly Hawboldt, of Memorial University of
Newfoundland, and her research team explore the effects of produced water on the Arctic environment where cold temperatures, fragile ecosystems and unmanned operations pose unique challenges. The study titled Review of Produced Water Management and Challenges in Harsh/Arctic Environments examines produced water characteristics, environmental impacts, current policy and regulations as well as management techniques currently in use for produced water throughout the world. The paper highlights emerging technologies and
suggests areas for further review. Although there have been few studies on produced water discharged in the Arctic, the MUN staff has
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extensive experience with certain aspects of produced water, including modelling and treatment. “We are pleased to have sponsored the efforts of
MUN faculty who have undertaken this study,” says Roger Basu, ABS Director, Shared Technology and head of the class society’s Harsh Environment program. Basu says another study currently underway at the
center focuses on offshore drilling in harsh environments with the long-term goal of developing guidance from ABS.
“We envision technical guidance in the form of a
primer for offshore drilling in harsh environments. We expect it to take into account such concerns as logistics and exploration, well control, Arctic transportation systems and environmental challenges, including awareness for the regulatory framework,” Basu explains. In addition, the ABS HETC will be working with
industry to address the need for guidance regarding escape, evacuation and rescue (EER) systems on board vessels and offshore units operating in extreme cold weather climates. It is anticipated that guidance will be created that can
serve as the basis for the development of an operators’ safety and emergency response plans for offshore
installations. It would include directions for:
● Identifying credible hazards and instituting an emergency response plan. ● The need for hazard scenario planning. ● Establishment of clear command and communication structure before an emergency. ● Escape and muster processes. ● The use of personal survival equipment, evacuation measures in adverse conditions and rescue resources. The ABS HETC at MUN was created in 2009 to support
the development of technologies for ships and offshore structures operating in harsh environments. It is an extension of ABS’ robust polar and harsh environment programme located within the ABS Technology department. Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international
classification society devoted to promoting the security of life, property and the marine environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine- related facilities. ●
For more information, visit
www.eagle.org
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