Congo’s South Offshore, TotalEnergies Partner on Angola Rig
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Congolese engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company South Offshore has been contracted by energy major TotalEnergies to provide installation services in Angola for the rigless subsea light intervention package (RSLIP). This system, originally developed by TotalEnergies E&P Congo, aims to reduce the costs associated with subsea well interventions by replacing traditional rigs with specialized installation vessels. The offshore support vessel Siem Barracuda arrived in Angola on February 16 - having been utilized in the Republic of Congo by TotalEnergies - to commence operations.
Innovating Offshore Installations in Congo
South Offshore has been active in Congo’s oil and gas sector since 2010. With nearly 15 years of experience, the company focuses on projects in Africa, positioning itself as a competitive alternative to larger multinational corporations.
"We operate in a niche market for small projects in the oil industry, particularly in Africa. Our local expertise allows us to navigate country-specific constraints and client particularities effectively, making us more competitive for such projects," Ovidiu Guran, South Offshore CEO told Energy Capital & Power in an interview.
The company’s core services encompass offshore installations, both topside and subsea. Guran noted that offshore installation involves all activities following drilling.” After wells are drilled and Christmas trees installed, we connect these to platforms or FPSOs, handling everything from pipelines to subsea structures."
A notable innovation by South Offshore is the development of a patented procedure for installing I-tubes without the use of divers, enhancing safety and efficiency.
"Traditionally, installing I-tubes required divers at various depths to secure clamps. We've developed a method utilizing ROVs, eliminating the need for divers, reducing human and operational risks and lowering costs," he said. This approach has been successfully implemented in projects such as the installation of a 27 km electric cable between two platforms for TotalEnergies, entirely using ROVs for I-tube installation.
Exporting Local Capacity to African Markets
South Offshore's track record in Congo has established its reputation in the African offshore industry, leading to continued partnerships like its collaboration with TotalEnergies on the RSLIP in Angola. TotalEnergies first implemented the RSLIP system in Congo in 2022. This system allows for subsea well maintenance and enhancement without the need for conventional drilling rigs – utilizing installation vessels with advanced technologies for light interventions.
"This is our biggest project since we started the company 14 years ago, marking a significant milestone in our journey. We are responsible for the installation assistance, ensuring all necessary means and tools are in place for the successful execution of the RSLIP operations," Guran said.
This expansion to Angola reflects the system's adaptability and effectiveness in various offshore environments. "The mobilization of the installation vessel from Congo to Angola marks a critical phase in the project's execution. Its success has paved the way for its current implementation in Angola, with discussions underway for potential deployment in Nigeria.”
The expanding partnership between TotalEnergies and South Offshore underscores Congo’s position as a key energy market, where African companies can develop their expertise and export their skills abroad. The Congo Energy & Investment Forum, taking place in Brazzaville from March 24-26, will highlight the vital role of Congolese firms across the regional energy value chain. As the sector evolves, the forum will provide a platform for local players to connect with global partners, foster innovation and strengthen their impact on Africa’s economic landscape.