The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has praised The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) for supporting local content by awarding the fabrication of two Single Point Mooring (SPM) buoys to Prime Sources Limited (PSL), an indigenous company in Warri, Delta State.
SPMs are floating structures used for loading liquids and gas offshore. The first locally fabricated SPMs were made for Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo) in 2006 by Dorman Long Engineering Limited, based in Lagos.
SPDC entrusted PSL with the contract for the two buoys, which are being built to high international standards, as confirmed by the International Registrar and Classification Society in Norway, Det Norske Veritas (DNV), and engineers from IMODCO, PSL’s technical partner from France. The buoys are scheduled to be installed this year at the Bonny and Forcados terminals.
NCDMB Executive Secretary, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, expressed his appreciation for SPDC’s commitment to local content during a visit to the project site at the Julius Berger Port in Warri. He stated, “Awarding such a technically complex scope to a local contractor highlights SPDC’s commitment to local content development. I want to especially commend SPDC for believing in the indigenous contractor. I commend the contractor for delivering the project in good time without any injury and the community for their support.”
Mrs. Elozino Olaniyan, SPDC’s Director and General Manager for Safety and Environment in Conventional Oil and Gas, emphasized that the project reflects Shell’s dedication to Nigeria’s economic growth and the development of local vendors.
Chris Ubuane, SPDC’s Domestic Gas, Forcados Yokri Integrated Project and Terminals Project Manager, stated that PSL would deliver the first buoy within a year. He noted that over 90% of the workforce on the project consists of Nigerians handling roles such as project management, structural fabrications, scaffolding, welding, fitting, blasting, and painting. He added, “SPDC will continue to work with PSL to grow their capability in buoy fabrication and maintenance.”
Francis Anyakwo, Managing Director of Prime Sources Limited, expressed gratitude to SPDC for the opportunity to execute the complex project and thanked NCDMB for its support, which has helped PSL become a leading subsea contractor in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Community leaders also appreciated the project. Chief Anthony Jolomi, Secretary of the Ijaw Kingdom Traditional Council, and Dr. Omiwere-Ete George Boyo, representing the Itsekiri Kingdom, expressed their gratitude to SPDC. They assured that the community would maintain a supportive environment for business growth in the area.
