Ghana: WAPCo Begins Mandatory Gas Pipeline Cleaning And Inspection

The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has announced a plan to begin cleaning and inspection of its gas transportation pipeline that runs from Itoki, Ogun State in Nigeria, through Benin, Togo and Takoradi in the Western Region of Ghana.

The exercise would be undertaken in two-phases, with the first phase which begins on Monday 25 November, involving the cleaning and inspection of the onshore section of the pipeline which is located within Nigeria.

A statement issued by WAPCo noted that this first phase is scheduled to last for ten days.

The second phase of the project is scheduled to begin in January 2025, the company explained.

“This involves the cleaning and inspection of the main section of the pipeline, which is offshore, stretching from Badagry in the Lagos State, Nigeria, to Takoradi, in the Western Region of Ghana,” the statement said.

This will also necessitate the shutdown of key facilities in Tema, Ghana; Lomé, Togo; and Cotonou, Benin.

Also, WAPCo will replace subsea valves located at these strategic locations to enhance operational safety.

According to WAPCo, the comprehensive cleaning and inspection exercise is a key maintenance and regulatory requirement to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the pipeline.

The exercise aligns with industry best practices, and it is part of WAPCo’s ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of the WAGP and ensure its continued safe and reliable operation across the West African region.

WAPCo has engaged relevant stakeholders ahead of this exercise and does not anticipate any major disruption to gas transportation services to customers.

During the offshore cleaning and inspection period in 2025, WAPCo will temporarily suspend reverse flow transportation of gas from the Western Region of Ghana to Tema, Ghana.

Source: https://energynewsafrica.com