Major LNG support contract for Kotug

The long-term, fixed-term contract includes extension options and follows a “thorough and competitive tender process” resulting in Kotug and its local Senegalese partner Maritalia being selected by energy giant BP and its project partner Kosmos Energy, along with national oil companies Société des Pétroles du Sénégal (PETROSEN) and Société Mauritanienne Des Hydrocarbures (SMH) to provide marine services to the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project.

The GTA project is on the maritime border between Mauritania and Senegal and is one of Africa’s deepest subsea developments, where the tugs will support the offshore hub terminal and FLNG and FPSO operations, with Maritalia fulfilling local content requirements.

The GTA project will produce gas from an ultra-deepwater subsea system with an FPSO processing the gas. This will be exported through a 35km pipeline to an FLNG facility, where it will be transferred to LNG carriers.

Rotterdam-based Kotug is typical of the traditional Dutch towage operators, with long histories that have, over time, exported their skills and globe-trotting experiences to provide bespoke towage services to countries that are fast developing their potential, particularly as the value of various energy resources are realised.

This latest success adds to Kotug’s existing presence in the region with operations in Ghana, Gabon, Congo and Angola and further south, a strategic partnership between Kotug Training and Consultancy Division and South African Maritime Training Academy.

Local content

For these developing countries, the aim to gain maximum opportunity for local content, including employment, is now an important requirement of such exporting of skills and hardware arrangements.

Kotug Senegal says it is “fully committed to developing and optimising local content, contributing to the employment and training of Mauritanian and Senegalese nationals”.

The initiative includes collaboration with local suppliers and the use of local goods and services with a “significant investment” made in a technical knowledge transfer plan, where selected local candidates will be recruited, educated and intensively trained.

The candidates will progress through the ranks with ultimately all positions on board the vessels held by local crews, including all officers.

Trusted design

Kotug says four Robert Allan-designed, IMO Tier III compliant RAstar 32m ASD tugs will be deployed for the project, and while the details of the vessels have not yet been revealed, a photo of the tug SD Waalo accompanies the news release.

SD Waalo is a newbuild vessel, reported as now in service and a product of Turkey’s Uzmar Shipbuilding.

The BV-classed vessel is 32m in length and looking in general at the RAstar class, the ASD tug is one of Robert Allan’s most popular designs.

Ranging from 27m (80tbp) to 42m (125tbp) the series includes dual-fuel examples and specific versions exclusive to individual shipyards to suit their own production arrangements and client base. The 32m marque quoted above has a standard listed bollard pull of 80t.

“We are honoured to be selected for this prestigious project and to partner with Maritalia to provide essential marine services for the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim gas project,” said Ard-Jan Kooren, president and CEO of Kotug. “This supports our extensive track record of operating for FLNG projects and we are proud to add another FLNG project to our existing portfolio.

“This collaboration not only underscores our commitment to delivering world-class marine solutions but also highlights our dedication to fostering local talent and contributing to the sustainable development of the Mauritanian and Senegalese economies.

“By investing in local knowledge and skills, we aim to create long-lasting value and ensure that our operations benefit the communities we serve.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with KOTUG International on the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project,” said Alioune dit Ali Ndiaye, president of the board of Maritalia. “This partnership underscores our commitment to the development and empowerment of local talent in Senegal and Mauritania.”