We’re committed to helping NNPC achieve 3m barrels a day production – Jarmakani

NigerStar 7, a leading contractor in Nigeria’s offshore energy sector has added two offshore construction vessels to its flagship Nigerian fleet.

The company has acquired and reflagged the Seven Antares and Seven Inagha offshore construction support vessels, marking NigerStar 7’s investment in Nigeria, and support for government policies on local content.

In his speech at the occasion, Anwar Jarmakani, chairman of NigerStar7 said “We are encouraged and fully support NNPC’s plan to increase national oil production to 3 million barrels per day. This will drive further investments and growth in the industry, supporting the Nation’s economic policies and strategic National Interest.”

The event was held at the Nigerdock’s facility at Snake Island Integrated Free Zone, which is a leading West African port and industrial free zone supporting the terminal operations, logistics, maritime and oil and gas sectors.

Highlighting the impact of Nigerdock on the growth of Nigeria’s local content said, “We have safely completed Nigeria’s largest fabrication projects for the IOCs and have a proud record of over 17.5 million man-hours without a Lost Time Incident. This is indeed world class performance.”

Despite the gains of the Nigerian Content Act and its positive impact on the Nigerian economy, Jarmakani said there remain certain areas that need to be addressed to ensure that Tier 1 Nigerian companies can secure work in recognition of their  investments, competence and capabilities.

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“In the area of competitive bidding, a number of tenders and project awards have been overshadowed by the activities of pretentious companies that do not have the requisite experience.

These are the kind of companies that have neither the intention nor aspiration to

build in-Country infrastructure. They lack the national commitment, dedication and human capital to deliver complex projects on time and within budget,” Jarmakani said.

While assuring that the company is focused on helping to lead the process of renewal and growth of the Nigerian Oil and Gas sector, Jarmakani appealed for increased transparency, fair competition and an ethical business environment, all of which he said will protect investments and the livelihood of Nigerians – and ensure the sustainability of the best Nigerian companies.

“We recommend that an assessment point-based system be adopted for the contracting and oilfield service companies based on competence, capacity, achievements, safety record, training, visible investments and presence in Nigeria. A classification system into Tier 1, 2 & 3 categories based on these criteria will significantly help clients in their selection of eligible contractors,” said Jarmakani.

Jarmakani pointed that the common practice by many vessels who operate in

Nigeria and do their drydocking services around West Africa and elsewhere did not bode well for Nigerian economy.

“In order to prevent economic loss, and provide further jobs and opportunities, we recommend that NIMASA and NCDMB always request that vessels engaged in cabotage and oil and gas projects are mandated to provide evidence of in-country drydocking and Class repairs as part of any tender process.

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“We appeal to NNPC to recognize and support companies like Nigerstar 7 and Nigerdock – and to support our bold investment strategies, prized safety culture and transparent business ethics,” said Jarmakani.

Nigerdock is fully committed to the development of its people at Nigerdock’s Training Academy, which has trained over 6,000 professionals.

NigerStar 7 was created by Subsea 7 and Jagal, two leaders in the Nigerian energy industry, in response to the opportunities created by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act. The company’s vision is to be the leading Nigerian offshore contractor serving the country’s offshore energy industry with the capability and capacity to execute the largest and most complex offshore projects.

Seven Antares is a modern pipelay and accommodation vessel with a 300 tonnes crane, ideal for conventional offshore projects in shallow and slightly deeper waters.  Seven Inagha is a modern Jack-Up accommodation and crane barge, suited to shallow water depths.