Ghana: WAPCo Sets February 3 For Second Phase Of Offshore Pipeline Cleaning

The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has announced a revised schedule for the second phase of the cleaning and inspection of its offshore pipeline from 3rd February to 2nd March 2025.

The offshore pipeline stretches from Badagry in Lagos State in Nigeria through Benin, Togo and Ghana.

This move is to enable the new administration to have some time to make arrangements and procure adequate liquid fuels, notably Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) and Light Crude Oil (LCO) to power the thermal plants in both western and eastern power enclaves since the exercise will result in curtailment in gas supply.

The gas transportation company initially planned to commence the second phase of the cleaning and inspection exercise commonly known as ‘pigging’ in January 2025 after successfully completing the first phase in December 2024.

However, Ghana had a change in government on 7th January 2025, following the declaration of results of the December 7, 2024, general election.

The flag bearer of the then opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr John Mahama, won the presidential election and was on Tuesday, 7th January, sworn into office.

The new administration observed that there were inadequate liquid fuels to keep the power generation plants in operation.

At a high-level meeting last week involving WAPCo, GRIDCo officials and the government’s technical committee chaired by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, the technical team requested WAPCo to delay the maintenance exercise for about two weeks to allow the new government to arrange for adequate fuel.

An official statement issued by WAPCo on Wednesday explained that its decision was to better accommodate the interests of key stakeholders.

The four-week exercise will involve temporary suspension of reverse gas flow from Ghana’s
Western Region to Tema also in Ghana, and the shutdown of key facilities in Tema, Ghana, in
Lomé, Togo, and in Cotonou, Benin.

During this shutdown period, WAPCo will replace subsea valves located at these strategic locations to enhance operational safety.

The comprehensive cleaning and inspection exercise is a key regulatory requirement, and it aligns with industry best practices to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP).

WAPCo is required to conduct these inspections every five years, as part of efforts to maintain the integrity of the WAGP and ensure its continued safe and reliable operation across the West African region.

Source: https://energynewsafrica.com