Francis Sadhere

Chevron Nigeria Limited, operator of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture (NNPC/CNL JV), recently recorded significant milestones in the accomplishment of its Meren Gas Gathering Compression Platform (GGCP) and Sonam Development project objectives for 2014.

Andrew Fawthrop, Managing Director Chevron Nigeria Limited

Commenting at the Ready-For-Load-Out (RTLO) Sonam NWP jacket ceremony, which held at Nigerdock, recently, Mr. Supo Shadiya, Director NNPC/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture, hailed the project as one of the efforts Chevron has made towards Nigerian Content Development and Gas commercialization. His words: “At CNL, we are committed to Nigerian Content Development not just because it is the law but also because it is the right thing to do and part of the way we operate”.

The Sonam project covers approximately 4,600 metric tons of fabrication work, including the Topsides, Jackets, Piles and Bridge – at the Nigerdock fabrication yard. It is one of CNL’s non-associated gas projects aimed at supporting the Federal Government’s Gas Master Plan. The project also supports the upgrade of  Nigerdock’s Fabrication Yard in country. It involves the subcontracting of fabrication of four (4) vessels and numerous pipe-spools to Dormanlong, an indigenous company.

Nigerdock Group Executive Director (GED), Mr. Mansour Jarmakani said the company was proud to be associated with the Meren Gas Gathering Compression Platform (GGCP) and Sonam Development project, which is said to be one of biggest Non-Associated Gas (NAG) projects in Nigeria. “The Meren Gas Gathering Compression Platform (GGCP) and Sonam Development project created jobs, trained thousands, and is being delivered safely and on time… this is a national achievement.”

Mr. Jarmakani also added that through mentorship and the training of many Nigerians, the project has substantially contributed towards addressing the paucity of manpower; a key challenge in the industry.

In the area of capacity building and people development, the project provided Engineering training for thirty-five (35) Nigerian Content Development Management Board (NCDMB) trainees through twelve (12) weeks of Engineering & Project Management courses as well as construction training for one-hundred and fifty (150) trainees in fields ranging from welding, fitting and scaffolding. It has also scoped the execution of small subcontract fabrication and supply service to Chevron’s Escravosneighboring Community Contractors.