Aquaterra Energy, a leader in global offshore engineering solutions in conjunction with Maerlin Nigeria Ltd, its local partner, has been awarded a contract by FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Ltd (FIRST E&P) to design, engineer and install two non-identical Sea Swift conductor-supported offshore platforms in the Niger Delta Basin.

The platforms are destined for the Anyala and Madu fields within Oil Mining Leases 83 and 85 offshore Nigeria, where state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is a joint venture partner. The Anyala and Madu field project scope will develop approximately 185 million barrels of oil and 637 billion cubic feet of gas reserves.

Aquaterra Energy will manage the end-to-end project scope with engineering and onsite fabrication support being performed in Nigeria. The work includes structural design, topsides engineering, equipment selection, procurement, fabrication management and logistics. Once complete, the platforms will be installed in water depths of 35m to 55m with first oil expected in late 2019.

Stewart Maxwell, Technical Director at Aquaterra Energy, says: “To meet FIRST E&P’s goal of reaching first oil in 2019, a modern approach to platform development is required, and a partner with the technical expertise to develop a cost-effective, comprehensive solution that could be designed, engineered and delivered rapidly. With six Sea Swift platforms operational globally, including four offshore Africa, our team has the breadth of experience and technical know-how to solve client challenges like these in a safe, cost-effective and timely manner.”

Aquaterra Energy’s Sea Swift offshore platform is a modular system that combines an offshore platform with the rig-run benefits of a subsea development. This offers operators a flexible option to reduce their build and installation costs, and importantly reduce time to first oil in shallow water applications.