Tanker vessel
Chika Amanze-Nwachuku
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, has recorded yet another feat in the Nigeria Content Development (NCD) as it has provided support to Seabulk Offshore Operators Nigeria Limited in the recent acquisition of a DP2 PSV (Dynamic Positioning Platform Supply Vessel).
The vessel, built in the United States in 2011, was acquired to support CNL’s Joint Venture drilling campaigns as Liquid Mud Cuttings vessel combined with Gravel Pack Operations.
Speaking at the launch of the boat christened “AL KAT” (TBN SEABULK VICTOR), at Eko Support Services Ltd Base, near the Harbour Control Tower, Apapa Ports, CNL’s General Manager - Nigeria Content Development, Raymond Wilcox, explained that the charter was another proof of the company’s continued support for NCD. He said: “CNL is pleased to have supported Seabulk Offshore in achieving this significant milestone and this reiterates the company’s commitment to the NCD aspirations of the federal government”.
Also speaking, General Manger of Seabulk, Mr. Pere Nduku, thanked CNL for the contract, noting: “Nigerian Companies can deliver on their promises if given the opportunity”.
He added: “In our pursuit to aggressively expand our fleet to meet the demands of our clients, Seabulk has fully purchased and added to its fleet, a state-of-the-art DP2 Platform Supply Vessel built in the USA in August 2011.”
Chevron’s General Manager, Policy, Government & Public Affairs, Deji Haastrup, said in a release at the weekend that CNL, as part of its strategic Nigerian Content empowerment process, contracted Seabulk, a wholly Nigerian-owned Marine Transport Company to provide support vessel services to its JV drilling operations both in offshore and onshore locations in Nigeria. The one-year contract, according to him, was the first of its kind to a wholly Nigerian company.
He said the vessel has advanced technology features with a large deck and liquid mud-carrying capacity. “Her shallow draft enables her to operate in near coastal offshore locations and shallow water depth ports, such as Escravos. Her dynamic positioning (DP2) is critical to its safe operations.
“The vessel is 100 percent manned by certified and experienced Nigerian Seafarers/Officers and Dynamic Positioning Operators (DPO), per International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) requirements for a DP2 vessel and will be Nigerian flagged as soon as all relevant formalities have been completed with the associated agencies”, Haastrup added.
CNL and Seabulk Offshore had been strategic partners over the years. Since the Seabulk Offshore transitioned into a wholly owned Nigerian Company, it has continued to provide professional services to International Oil Companies including CNL.