The Managing Director of SNEPCo, Bayo Ojulari, announced that The Bonga oil field operated by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) has produced about 702mb of oil since its start up in 2005. The field operated at more than 92% availability in 2016, This Day Live reported.

According to the company’s website, the volumes were generated from the Bonga main field ad well as Bonga Phases 2 and 3, which unlocked the nearby Bonga North West field in August 2014 with a capacity of 65,000b/d.

In his statement to the media in Lagos, Ojulari addressed the new lease of life of Bonga after a major turnaround maintenance which was completed in April by pointing out that one of the high points of the turnaround was the engagement of about 65 Nigerian contractor and subcontractor companies. In addition, over 1,000 people were involved, spread across work sites and vessels in the exercise described as the biggest in scope in the 12-year history of the asset.

“The exercise stimulated growth of support industries vital to deep-water asset management. It provided a wider benefit to the Nigerian economy by boosting demand for a range of goods and services including offshore vessels and platforms, materials, floating hotel and helicopters,” Ojulari said

He noted that the procuring materials from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) saved cost and ensured seamless delivery, adding that the project team sourced key equipment and carried out fabrications within Nigeria.

This innovation marked a turning point in SNEPCo’s efforts to develop the capabilities of Nigerian companies in the provision of goods and services in deep-water oil and gas production, he added.