Kaztec Engineering Limited, a subsidiary of the Chrome Group, has announced the acquisition of two state-of-the-art anchor vessels valued at $500 million. The vessels, designed for onshore, offshore, and deepwater oil and gas operations, will significantly enhance Kaztec’s capabilities as a leading indigenous oil and gas service company in Nigeria.
Unveiling the Anchor Vessels
The newly acquired vessels, christened Ekulo Explorer and Ekulo Spirit, were officially delivered to Kaztec at the Calabar Port over the weekend. The vessels are utility crafts capable of performing various functions, including storing materials, pipes, and other drilling essentials for both onshore and offshore operations.
According to Sir Emeka Offor, Chairman of the Chrome Group, the acquisition of these vessels underscores Kaztec’s commitment to expanding its value chain in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
“These vessels can move barges as well as other materials like pipes, and it made a lot of business sense to have them to move the Ekulo Cheyenne around, run anchors, and navigate fields,” Offor explained.
Vessel Specifications
•Ekulo Explorer: The larger of the two vessels, boasting 6,000 horsepower (HP) capacity.
•Ekulo Spirit: A smaller yet powerful vessel with a capacity of 4,400 HP.
Both vessels are equipped to serve a wide range of purposes, making them indispensable assets for Kaztec’s operations.
Future Expansion and Base Development
The company plans to acquire three additional vessels, further enhancing its fleet to cover the full spectrum of oil and gas services. Additionally, Kaztec has a warehouse and a base in Calabar, Cross River State, where the vessels will be stationed.
To consolidate its investments, the group intends to build a dedicated base in Akwa Ibom State, as disclosed by Mr. Dan Nicholson, Chief Technical Officer of Kaztec.
“At the base, we plan to have line pipe manufacturing, coating, fabrication, and all the utility systems that go with them. It will be a complete base that will coordinate all of our offshore projects,” Nicholson stated.
This new base will also serve as a hub for managing Kaztec’s expanding fleet of vessels and facilitating its move into deepwater operations.
Commitment to Local Content and Environmental Sustainability
Kaztec remains fully committed to the Nigerian Content Policy, with 67% of its workforce comprising Nigerians. Additionally, all suppliers and onboard provisions are sourced locally.
The vessels are equipped with cutting-edge marine technology to ensure zero environmental pollution. Effluents from the engines are recycled through a biological system that minimizes impact on aquatic life.
Multi-Purpose Capabilities
The anchor vessels, according to Mr. Kingsley Eke, Safety Manager at Kaztec, boast unparalleled capabilities:
•Pulling heavy-weight items and towing barges up to 800,000 tonnes.
•Operating in both shallow waters (below 5 meters) and deep waters (up to 40 meters).
•Providing accommodation for up to 20 people in fully air-conditioned and comfortable quarters, with additional space for another 20 crew members onboard.
•Supplying water, fuel, and other essential services while meeting international maritime standards.
Strategic Partnerships and Industry Support
Kaztec’s acquisition comes as it nears the completion of a three-year offshore project for Addax Petroleum, involving pipe-laying and the installation of at least five topsides. To further strengthen its market position, Kaztec is working closely with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to engage with International Oil Companies (IOCs).
“The NNPC is assisting us in arranging meetings with the IOCs to showcase Kaztec’s capabilities and what we bring to the table,” Offor noted.
A Milestone for Indigenous Oil and Gas Services
The acquisition of Ekulo Explorer and Ekulo Spirit represents a major milestone for Kaztec Engineering and a significant boost for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. With cutting-edge technology, a strong commitment to local content, and an ambitious expansion strategy, Kaztec is well-positioned to lead the sector into a new era of innovation and efficiency.
This bold investment solidifies Kaztec’s reputation as a trailblazer in the oil and gas sector, paving the way for sustainable growth and local empowerment.
