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Expanding opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa

Petrofac’s Asset Solutions business continues to grow in Africa. In April 2024, we were awarded a Technical Services Contract by Compañía Nacional de Petróleos de Guinea Equatorial (GEPetrol), the National Oil Company of Equatorial Guinea, to support the operation of the region’s Block B asset. We are increasingly becoming recognised in Africa as a safe and efficient service provider, delivering value for our clients through operations and late life asset optimisation.

We spoke to two team members working on the GEPetrol contract to learn more about their experiences and careers with Petrofac. Douglas (Doug) Seivwright has 25 years’ experience across multiple platforms in the North Sea and joined the Jade Platform in Equatorial Guinea (EG) as an Offshore Installation Manager (OIM). Catherine Scott is starting her career in the energy industry as a business development graduate, supporting the mobilisation effort to EG for the project's launch.

Starting out

Catherine: I knew I wanted to work in the energy industry as I’d been inspired by family and friends who were already working in the sector. After graduating from University in Business Analytics and Consultancy, I came across Petrofac’s graduate programme and was immediately interested. I had also listened to Petrofac’s Energy Talks Podcast and found the topics interesting and engaging.

Moving forward

Doug: I started as an apprentice mechanical technician before moving into operations. I became the Field OIM on the Hewett Platform, where I had the privilege of working with an experienced team on an ultra-late life asset in the decommissioning phase.

There was still a lot of work to do as part of Hewett’s decommissioning, but I started planning what I wanted to do next in my career. When I saw the EG role come up, I grabbed the opportunity to work on an international assignment.

Mobilising to Equatorial Guinea

Catherine: My involvement in the project started very low-key, setting up databases related to visas and travel. Little did I know how much my role would grow.

I didn’t even know the basics such as what a transition project was or what a development period consists of, but I was soon tasked with mobilising 30 individuals to EG in the space of three weeks – no mean feat.

With responsibility for logistics, my role involved organising travel, supporting the visa process, obtaining necessary documentation, providing travel guidance, onboarding, and reporting. Collaborating with fantastic colleagues like Doug, I gained valuable insights needed for a smooth transition.

Doug: Initially I was a bit apprehensive about moving to EG. Moving from a decommissioning project to supporting operations on a live hydrocarbon-producing asset would be a significant change. I saw this international assignment as an opportunity of a lifetime.

Leaving the great team on Hewett and moving a long way away from home brought mixed emotions. I greatly appreciated the support I received from Catherine, handling visas, flights and accommodation.

When I arrived at the camp in Malabo, any initial nerves disappeared quickly. I received a warm welcome from my new team. I underwent intensive onboarding and shadowed the incumbent OIM to learn about daily operations, procedures, equipment and risk assessments and acted as ‘On-Scene Commander’ in three emergency response exercises.

The health, safety and well-being of our people of a key priority on the Jade Platform and we strive to keep our people and assets safe.  Personal ownership of HSE is encouraged.  There are daily shift meetings where we cover safety topics and go over all platform activities.

Growing and exploring new opportunities

Catherine: Working on this project has introduced me to a wide range of people and has greatly expanded my professional network. My communication and time management skills have significantly improved, and I've developed a keen awareness of critical tasks. Observing the operational readiness review has enhanced my understanding of departmental functions and taught me the importance of integrated work. Mobilising around 150 people since January, I have also honed my skills in report writing, knowledge transfer, and coordination.

These are all valuable skills to my career growth, expanding my knowledge of the energy industry while understanding and appreciating Petrofac’s unique capabilities. After nearly a year here, Petrofac has already surpassed my expectations and I'm excited about the future.

Doug: It is interesting… no matter the platform, you encounter similar characters everywhere. Everyone has been so accommodating and I have been impressed with the professionalism and commitment of the people. It has been refreshing to see a diverse group so engaged and keen to deliver on the contract.

Coming to EG, you'd expect some differences from the North Sea, and you'd be right, though not drastically. We have the same PPE standards but lightweight coveralls for the hot and humid conditions. Outside of the camp, the local community is friendly, and I get to experience all the fun that EG has to offer, although I need to brush up on my Spanish.

EG is beautiful, and it is like nowhere that I have been before and offers an exciting dynamic work environment.