The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has announced that it will begin a planned cleaning and inspection of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) on Monday, November 25, 2024.
In a statement, WAPCo explained that this comprehensive maintenance exercise is a critical regulatory and safety measure designed to ensure safety and efficiency in operations.
The inspection will span the entire pipeline infrastructure, from Itoki in Ogun State, Nigeria, to Takoradi in Ghana’s Western Region.
“This initiative reflects WAPCo’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the WAGP and ensuring its safe, reliable operation across the West African region, in line with industry best practices,” the statement added.
“The project will be in two phases. The first phase, which begins on Monday, November 25, involves the cleaning and inspection of the onshore section of the pipeline, which is located in Nigeria. This first phase is scheduled to last for 10 days. WAPCo has engaged relevant stakeholders ahead of this exercise and does not anticipate any major disruption to gas transportation services to customers.”
According to WAPCo, the second phase of the project is scheduled to begin in January 2025, stressing that it will temporarily suspend the reverse flow transportation of gas from the Western Region of Ghana to Tema within that period.
“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. 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.
“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.”