WAPCo to begin inspection and maintenance works on its offshore pipeline

By Emmanuel Gamson

Takoradi, Feb. 5, GNA – The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo), owner and operator of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), will undertake major inspection and maintenance activities on its offshore pipeline from February 5 to March 2, 2025.

The activities would include the pigging and the in-line inspection of the 569 kilometres offshore pipeline infrastructure from Ajido, Lagos State, Nigeria to Takoradi in the Western Region.

Others would include the replacement of critical subsea valves at Tema and Cotonou to enhance operational safety.

A statement signed by Dr Isaac Adjei Doku, General Manager, Corporate Affairs of WAPCo, and copied to the Ghana News Agency said the maintenance project would necessitate the temporary suspension of specific services, including the reverse flow transportation of natural gas from the Western Region to Tema, and gas transportation services from Nigeria to Cotonou in Benin, Lomé, Togo, and Tema, Ghana.

The statement, however, stated that some gas transportation services from Nigeria to Takoradi would continue during the maintenance period to ensure the successful execution of the pipeline cleaning and inspection activities.

It said: “The comprehensive cleaning and inspection exercise is a key regulatory requirement and aligns with industry best practices to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP).”

According to the statement, WAPCo was mandated to conduct these inspections every five years or on a risk-based schedule as part of its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the WAGP and ensuring its safe and reliable operation across the West African region.

It said WAPCo had actively engaged key stakeholders to ensure the necessary alignment for the successful implementation of this project, saying; “WAPCo is grateful to the governments of Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo for their ongoing support.”

It expressed WAPCo’s appreciation to the maritime and regulatory authorities across the four countries, as well as its customers, shippers, gas off-takers, host communities, shareholders, and all other relevant stakeholders for their continued collaboration and contribution to the success of the exercise.

Mr Auwal Ibrahim, General Manager, Operations and Maintenance at WAPCo, said the Company was committed to maintaining the proactive stakeholder engagement processes established during the project’s preparation phase in its execution.

He said: “The company will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders on all matters to ensure the project’s safe execution and success.”

GNA