Service Providers Key to Unlocking Hydrocarbon Potential – Africa.com
The service provider plays an important role in driving the development of the Republic of Congo’s exploration and production industry as it aims to increase oil production from 270,000 barrels per day to 500,000 barrels per day in the next few years. Beyond this, the country’s focus on gas sector development – underpinned by the upcoming Gas Master Plan and new gas regulations aimed at unlocking 10 trillion cubic feet of gas – opens up more avenues for service companies, particularly is in gas field development, infrastructure and related areas. Serve.
Energy service contracts drive growth
As Congo’s energy sector expands, service contracts are a driver for the development of key energy projects. A case in point is the contract recently awarded to Turkish power company Aksa Enerji to increase the output of the Geno gas power plant to 100 MW. The upgrade includes the addition of two 25 MW turbines, as well as the rehabilitation of existing turbines. This development highlights the critical role of service companies in upgrading infrastructure to meet the Republic of Congo’s growing energy needs.
At the same time, towage and marine services are critical for offshore gas projects. In August last year, towage and marine company Kotug International secured a contract from energy giant Eni to provide maritime services for the Congo LNG project. The scope of the contract includes the deployment of three rotor tugs for ship mooring and unmooring operations, standby services and pilot transport. The agreement also highlights Kotug’s commitment to supporting local content development and sustainability by partnering with local suppliers and leveraging local resources.
Partnerships and agreements drive development
Strategic services partnerships also play a key role in the country’s energy growth. TotalEnergies and Vantage Drilling recently formed a joint venture to operate Tungsten Explorer Drillships offshore Congo over the next decade. The partnership highlights how service contractors can support the development of critical energy infrastructure and offshore operations. In addition, China Wison Heavy Industries has reached an agreement with Baker Hughes to cooperate in FLNG and onshore liquefied natural gas applications in Congo. The deal demonstrates how the services company can help Congo’s growing natural gas industry streamline operations and standardize technology solutions.
Downstream services drive domestic development
Congo is rich in oil resources, but the country’s current refining capacity is insufficient to meet domestic demand, which creates valuable opportunities for service companies to participate in downstream infrastructure construction. The Atlantic Petrochemical Refinery, developed by Beijing Fuding Dingheng Investment Co., Ltd. and about to be built at a cost of US$600 million, will provide a range of refined petroleum products to meet domestic demand. The service company will play an important role in the construction, operation and maintenance of the refinery, contributing to the country’s self-sufficiency in refined oil products.
In addition, Wing Wah’s Banga Kayo onshore project will drill approximately 250 wells with a peak production of 80,000 barrels per day. The move underscores the importance of service companies in upstream development and refining operations as the project is expected to process natural gas into LNG, LPG and other by-products.
The role of service providers in Congo’s energy transition
Service companies are at the heart of the energy transition in the Republic of Congo, thanks to significant investments in upstream and downstream energy infrastructure. As the country strives to meet its energy goals, the importance of service contracts – from power plant upgrades to marine and drilling services – cannot be overstated. These partnerships are critical to unlocking the full potential of Congo’s oil, gas and energy sector and will continue to drive the country’s economic and energy growth.
The first Congolese Economic and Investment Forum will be held in Brazzaville on March 25-26, 2025, bringing together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest natural gas power projects and provide updates on expansions underway across the country.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
