The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), the owner and operator of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), has announced that its ongoing offshore pipeline cleaning and inspection exercise, which commenced on February 5, 2025, is set for completion by March 2, 2025.
Speaking on the development, WAPCo’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Isaac Adjei Doku, emphasized that the routine maintenance, conducted every five years, is crucial for ensuring efficiency, pipeline integrity, and compliance with insurance requirements. According to him, “We undertake this exercise, which includes pipeline cleaning, as part of the standard procedure to enhance efficiency, ensure structural integrity, and meet insurance requirements.”
Overview of the Pipeline Maintenance Process
The cleaning and inspection process spans across multiple countries, including Benin, Togo, and Ghana, passing through key locations such as Cotonou, Lomé, Tema, and Takoradi. The operation involves the transportation of an estimated 85,000 MMSCF/d of gas to push the Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG) from Nigeria to Takoradi, Ghana, facilitating effective cleaning and assessment of the offshore pipeline.
Doku reassured stakeholders that safety remains a top priority throughout the maintenance period. WAPCo’s engineering and safety teams have meticulously developed a comprehensive strategy to ensure the exercise is conducted efficiently and securely. Additionally, the company has engaged all relevant stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and environmental agencies across the respective countries, to facilitate a smooth execution of the project.
Key Activities During the Maintenance Period
During the scheduled maintenance, the following activities will be carried out:
- Pipeline Cleaning: Removal of debris, dirt, and accumulated liquids from the pipeline to enhance efficiency.
- Internal Pipeline Inspection: Using advanced technology to assess the structural integrity of the internal pipeline walls.
- Subsea Valve Replacement: Upgrading and replacing key subsea valves to improve pipeline functionality.
- Ancillary Maintenance Works: Additional maintenance tasks required while gas transportation services are temporarily suspended.
The majority of these operations will take place offshore, as well as at two major WAPCo facilities:
- Lagos Beach Compressor Station (Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria) – This is where the cleaning and inspection tools, commonly known as “PIGs,” are inserted into the pipeline.
- Takoradi Regulating and Metering Station (Takoradi, Ghana) – This facility serves as the endpoint for the cleaning devices after traveling through the 569km-long pipeline.
To execute the process effectively, multiple cleaning devices, or “PIGs,” will be introduced into the pipeline at the Lagos Beach Compressor Station. These will be propelled by gas pressure along the length of the pipeline to remove any impurities. Once sufficient cleaning is completed, an intelligent pig will be deployed to conduct a detailed internal inspection, ensuring the structural soundness of the pipeline before resuming full operations.
Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
As part of its commitment to environmental safety and compliance, WAPCo has engaged environmental protection agencies across Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ghana. The company has also implemented a world-class effluent management system at its Takoradi facility, where it anticipates receiving some liquid and debris from the pipeline cleaning process.
Stakeholder Collaboration and Appreciation
The pipeline maintenance project is being handled by Topline, a reputable engineering firm with expertise in offshore pipeline cleaning and inspection. WAPCo has expressed gratitude to the governments of Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ghana for their unwavering support. Additionally, the company acknowledges the maritime and regulatory authorities across the four nations, as well as its customers, gas shippers, off-takers, host communities, and shareholders for their cooperation in ensuring the success of this exercise.
With the scheduled completion date of March 2, 2025, WAPCo remains committed to delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable gas transportation services across the West African region. The company will continue to uphold best practices in pipeline maintenance, ensuring operational excellence and long-term reliability of the West African Gas Pipeline.
