Dr Isaac Adjei Doku briefing journalists
The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) is to embark on its major maintenance activities on the offshore section of the pipeline stretching from Badagry in Nigeria to Aboadze in Ghana.
The activities will take place at WAPCo’s Lagos Beach Compressor Station located at Badagry in Nigeria and at the Takoradi Regulating and Metering Station.
The exercise, which is required by regulation, will start from February 5 to March 2, 2025.
The company has therefore begun installing the necessary equipment, including an effluent management system for the project.
The activity, known as Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG), involves the cleaning of pipelines to remove debris, dirt and liquids as well as inspection of the internal walls of the pipeline.
There will also be replacing of subsea valves and conducting of any ancillary works needed.
Per the West African Gas Pipeline Authority’s regulations, WAPCo is required to clean and inspect the pipeline every five years. The company last cleaned and inspected the pipeline about 5 five years ago.
This came to light at a media briefing on the upcoming major maintenance activities on the offshore section of the pipeline in Takoradi.
The purpose of the briefing was to promote public understanding of the activities, ensure transparency and provide accurate information on how the activities will affect gas transportation services among others.
Dr. Isaac Adjei Doku, General Manager, Corporate Affairs of WAPCo said when the Pipeline is sufficiently cleaned a device known as “intelligent pig” will be inserted into it to inspect its internal walls as it travels down to Takoradi.
He said the exercise will also ensures safe reliable operations, aligns with industry best practices and to confirm the condition and integrity of the pipeline.
He noted that an average of about 90,000MMSCF/d of gas required to push the Pipeline Inspection Guage (PIG) from Nigeria to Takoradi will be transported adding “Meaning WAPCo will be transporting gas to Takoradi”.
He stressed that the maintenance work will prioritize the safety of the workers and that WAPCo has extensively engaged all relevant stakeholder to ensure a smooth and successful project.
Auwal Ibrahim, WAPCo’s General Manager Operations and Maintenance disclosed that the company will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders on all matters to ensure the project’s safe execution and success.