Start-up sites create logistics opportunities

Activity in the oil and gas sector is on the increase, according to Samuel Omaswa, operational manager for air charter operator Chapman Freeborn in Entebbe, Uganda. “In many regions it is only in the early stages of exploration, so a lot of equipment needs to be moved to facilitate the start-up of mining sites. The fact that Africa has a buoyant energy sector that is growing daily bodes well for the logistics and transport sector,” he said. “The industry demands the quickest, safest route in and out of various locations on the continent and, as requests are often time-sensitive, we have been focusing on providing customers with the shortest lead-time possible,” said Omaswa. “We have also taken the time to understand the oil and gas sector. In many cases we are called upon to deliver to a drilling or mine site time-critical equipment that perhaps needs to be repaired or replaced. In our business we need to respond to the request as quickly as possible with the critical understanding that the site may have come to a standstill until the piece in question has been repaired or replaced.” According to Omaswa, in this sector being able to provide everything – pre-flight advice on documentation requirements, customs formalities, tracking and warehousing arrangements – becomes essential. “Our cargo team regularly provides clients with project studies that range from assessing the loadability of pieces to arranging for specialist equipment. In many cases the added benefits to using an air charter is the fact that the cargo can be flown right into the site,” he said. The organisation recently streamlined its oil and gas sector by promoting Michael Grant, Chapman Freeborn regional director for Australia, to director of the oil and gas sector. “He has extensive experience within this sector, having been involved with logistics and procurement for offshore construction, drilling and production,” said Omaswa. INSERT ‘Important to understand that a site may come to a standstill until the piece in question has been repaired or replaced.’ CAPTION Samuel Omaswa ... ‘The industry demands the quickest, safest route.’