Business & Finance

WAPCo Suspends Gas Flow Transportation to Tema for Pipeline Cleaning

The reverse flow transportation of natural gas from Ghana’s Western Region to Tema in the east has been halted by the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited.

This is to make way for the cleaning of the gas pipeline, that is, the second phase of the exercise required to be done every five years.

The Company commenced the exercise on February 5 and is expected to complete it on March 2.

“These activities include the pigging and the in-line inspection of the 569 km offshore pipeline infrastructure, from Ajido, Lagos State, Nigeria to Takoradi, Western Region, Ghana and replacement of critical subsea valves at Tema and Cotonou to enhance operational safety,” it said in a statement.

Impact
Aside from the reverse flow of gas to Tema, the exercise will affect gas transportation services from Nigeria to Cotonou (Benin), Lomé (Togo), and Tema.

However, it announced that some gas transportation services from Nigeria to Takoradi in Ghana will continue during this period to ensure the successful execution of the pipeline cleaning and inspection activities.

Significance
WAPCo explained that 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).

“WAPCo is 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.

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

First Phase
The first phase was completed in December 2024.

This involved cleaning and inspecting the onshore section of the pipeline within Nigeria.

 

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini

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