Train 7 Project: NCDMB visits Italy, conducts monitoring of EPC contracts to ensure Nigerian content achievements
Oredola Adeola
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has conducted an extensive on-site monitoring exercise of contractors and Equipment manufacturers handling different components of equipment and facilities for the NLNG Train 7 Project, in the out-of-country project activities in Italy.
The NCDMB in a statement obtained by EnergyDay at the weekend, stated this when Mr. Akintunde Adelana, NCDMB, Director Monitoring and Evaluation, led the Board’s delegation to the inspection visit.
The delegation began an oversight tour of Saipem’s offices in Milan, Italy, on September 25, 2023.
EnergyDay gathered that the Saipem Chiyoda Daewoo Joint Venture (SCDJV), Project Contractor is Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract responsible for the detailed design and construction phase of the seventh train at the Nigeria LNG plant in Bonny.
NCDMB confirmed that the consortium is in charge of procurement of equipment.
SCDJV during the tour highlighted its Nigerian Content achievements, including a knowledge exchange program for Nigerian engineers based in Milan. It also provided updates on procurement activities, noting the arrival of key equipment in Bonny.
The NCDMB team also visited Galperti’s facilities in Colico, Italy, which is the primary manufacturer of flanges and fittings for the Train 7 Project.
The Adelana-led NCDMB delegation stated that Galperti’s global presence and commitment to quality were evident during the visit, emphasizing their dedication to meeting stringent quality requirements.
Galperti expressed plans to establish a presence in Nigeria, aiming to create an efficient supply chain and solidify its position as a trusted partner in the oil and gas industry.
The team on September 26, 2023, further visited Italkrane’s Milan facilities, the contractor providing 19 cranes of varying capacities in partnership with Petro Extra Energy Service Ltd. the company in charge of maintenance of the crane. Tamson International Services Limited is the company in charge of supply of the crane.
According to the Director, NCDMB, Monitoring and Evaluation the tour offered insights into the precision and dedication behind crane production, emphasizing Italkrane’s commitment to delivering high-quality equipment for the NLNG Train 7 Project while fostering local expertise.
He further stated that the monitoring effort underscores conducted by its team in Italy, was part of the Board’s commitment to exceeding Nigerian content requirements, contributing to the project’s success, adding that the collaborative effort between international and Nigerian entities demonstrates a shared vision for project success.
EnergyDay’s check showed that Nigeria’s Train 7 project, a $7 billion expansion of the Bonny Island LNG facility, is set to increase Nigeria LNG’s capacity from 22 million tonnes to 30 million tonnes and boost Nigeria’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) production by 1 million tonnes per year.
The NCDMB and NLNG signed off on the Nigeria Content (NC) Plan for the project in March 2019, with the expectation that it would be commissioned in 2024.
The project is also expected to be executed in Nigeria, with 55% of engineering activities and procurements being carried out by Nigerian vendors.
