In the Namibian
concession areas oil
and gas exploration has
quietened down in recent
months but companies are
remaining vigilant and ready
to jump back into action at a
moment’s notice.
According to various
experts, the current slump
in the industry is attributed
to the global oil price slump
and exploration companies
seeking more financing,
consolidating resources and
re-evaluating prospects.
Nolito Marques, general
manager: public relations and
marketing for Manica Group
Namibia, told FTW there
was limited activity in the
Namibian waters at present.
“The final investment
decision on the Kudu Gas
Project has been moved to
the middle/end of this year,
pending full financing of the
project,” said Marques.
Manica has been involved
in oil and gas exploration
logistics since the 1970s
– and while the industry
may be quiet at present, it
still provides services and
supplies to some of the rigs
drilling in Angolan and
Nigerian waters that opt to
use Walvis Bay for repairs
and stacking.
Marques
said with
several
licensing
blocks having
not yet been
explored,
and seismic
exploration
ongoing to
find new
targets, there
was still major
opportunity in
the industry.
“At this stage the volumes
are however still unknown.
We believe timing and
uncertainties are the key
challenges in the industry at
the moment,” said Marques.
“The scope of work, however,
can change very swiftly
and one needs to be able
to respond to this volatile
environment
and have
the capacity
available. In
this regard we
are striving
to remain
flexible.”
Patrick
Kohlstaedt,
acting
managing
director of
Manica, said
they had
established new ventures
to support the industry
in Namibia. “Monjasa
Namibia is a bunkering
service provider, supplying
fuel to the Namibian
Marine industry. Orca
Marine Service is a launch
service operating in the
port of Walvis Bay,
supporting rigs
and vessels in the
bay. Operations
follow the
highest safety
standards
to comply
with stringent
industry
requirements,” he
said.
The oil and
gas industry
demands a dedicated onestop-
shop service, he added.
“Time is money, and
they do not want to have to
deal with any delays, hassles
or red tape. As a
service provider you
need to meet their
expectations.”
INSERT & CAPTION
We believe timing
and uncertainties are
the key challenges in
the industry at the
moment.
– Nolito Marques
