ABL Group, an Oslo-listed energy and marine consultancy, has secured a marine warranty survey (MWS) contract from Saipem, a leading Italian energy contractor, to support the Bouri Gas Utilization Project (BGUP) in Libya. This $1 billion EPCIC (engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning) project, awarded to Saipem by Mellitah Oil & Gas (a joint venture of Libya’s National Oil Corporation and Eni North Africa), focuses on upgrading offshore platforms and facilities at the Bouri gas field, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
ABL’s Role
ABL’s role involves providing technical reviews and approvals of all project documentation related to the marine transportation and installation (T&I) operations. This encompasses suitability surveys of the proposed fleet, including the Saipem 7000 semi-submersible crane vessel responsible for the main heavy lift operations, and potential dynamic positioning (DP) trials. ABL will also provide on-site attendance to oversee and approve warranted marine operations. The scope includes the installation of a 5,000-ton gas recovery module (GRM) onto the existing DP4 facility and the laying of 28 km of pipelines connecting the DP3, DP4, and Sabratha platforms.
Sergio Leone, ABL’s MWS Project Manager and Business Development Manager, emphasized the significance of the project in improving Libya’s natural gas production and supply to North Africa. Shai Tzucker, ABL’s Energy Operations Director for Europe and West Africa, highlighted the company’s operational capabilities, leveraging its London HQ and extensive network of marine surveyors across Europe and North Africa, including established experience in neighboring Egypt.
Project Location
The Bouri field, located 120 kilometers northwest of Tripoli in 145-183 meters water depth, is part of Block NC-41. This project underscores ABL’s growing presence in the North African energy sector, further strengthened by Mellitah Oil & Gas’s recently announced tender for the expansion of another offshore production facility, expected to commence in 2025. ABL’s participation in this offshore gas project showcases its expertise in providing crucial marine assurance services for large-scale offshore energy developments.
