15 August 2012, Sweetcrude, Lagos – Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, announces its support for Seabulk Offshore Operators Nigeria Limited (a wholly Nigerian owned Marine Transport Company) in the recent acquisition of a DP2 PSV (Dynamic Positioning Platform Supply Vessel).
The vessel, built in the USA (2011), was acquired to support CNL’s Joint Venture drilling campaigns as Liquid Mud Cuttings vessel combined with Gravel Pack Operations.
At the launching of the boat christened “AL KAT” (TBN SEABULK VICTOR), held at Eko Support Services Ltd Base, near the Harbour Control Tower, Apapa Ports on August 9, 2012; Raymond Wilcox, CNL’s General Manager – Nigeria Content Development, explained that the charter is another proof of the company’s continued support for Nigerian Content Development. He said, “CNL is pleased to have supported Seabulk Offshore in achieving this significant milestone and this reiterates the company’s commitment to the Nigerian Content Development aspirations of the federal government”.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB) was represented by Mr. Wole Akinyosoye, the General Manager – Planning, Research & Statistics. Also, in attendance were Mrs. Jane Ashimi, Deputy Manager, Community Development, Public Affairs NAPIMS representing the Group General Manager NAPIMS; Mr. Morrison A. Fiddi; Mrs. Bisi Soji-Oyawoye, Manager Nigeria Content Development, CNL; Mr. Austin Uzoka, Manager Nigeria Content, SNEPCO and other directors and senior executives of Seabulk.
As part of its strategic Nigerian Content empowerment process, CNL contracted Seabulk Offshore Operators Nigeria Limited to provide support vessel services to its JV drilling operations both in offshore and onshore locations in Nigeria. The one-year contract is the first of its kind to a wholly Nigerian company in a service industry dominated by foreign investors.
Mr. Pere Nduku, General Manger of Seabulk thanked CNL for awarding the contract to Seabulk. He committed to superior performance saying “Nigerian Companies can deliver on their promises given the opportunity. In our pursuit to aggressively expand our fleet and meet the demands of our clients, the Company has fully purchased and added to its fleet, a state-of-the-art DP2 Platform Supply Vessel built in the USA in August 2011.”
The vessel has advanced technology features with a large deck and liquid mud-carrying capacity. Her shallow draft enables her to operate in near coastal offshore locations and shallow water depth ports, such as Escravos. Her dynamic positioning (DP2) is critical to its safe operations. The vessel is 100% manned by certified and experienced Nigerian Seafarers/Officers and Dynamic Positioning Operators (DPO), per International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) requirements for a DP2 vessel and will be Nigerian flagged as soon as all relevant formalities have been completed with the associated agencies.
It is worthy to note that CNL and Seabulk Offshore have been strategic partners over the years and since the Seabulk Offshore transitioned into a wholly owned Nigerian Company, it has continued to provide professional services to International Oil Companies including CNL.
