The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has announced an updated schedule for its planned offshore pipeline cleaning and inspection exercise, commonly referred to as “pigging.” Originally set to begin on January 20, 2025, the offshore pigging has now been rescheduled to start on February 3, 2025, in order to better accommodate the interests of key stakeholders.
In a Wednesday, January 14, statement, the four-week exercise will involve the temporary suspension of reverse gas flow from Ghana’s Western Region to Tema also in Ghana, and the shutdown of key facilities in Tema, Ghana, in Lomé, Togo and Cotonou, Benin. During this shutdown period, WAPCO will replace subsea valves located at these strategic locations to enhance operational safety.
The comprehensive cleaning and inspection exercise is a key regulatory requirement and aligns with industry best practices to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP). The project encompasses the entire pipeline infrastructure, from Itoki in Ogun State, Nigeria to Takoradi in Western Region, Ghana.
The cleaning exercise is in two phases. The first phase, completed in December 2024, involved cleaning and inspecting the onshore section of the pipeline within Nigeria. The second phase scheduled to run from February 3 to March 2, 2025, will focus on the offshore section of the WAGP, stretching from Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria to Takoradi, Western Region, Ghana.
WAPCO is required to conduct these inspections every five years, as part of efforts to maintain the integrity of the WAGP and ensure its continued safe and reliable operation across the West African region.
Below is the press statement.
By: Kabah Atawoge
