Emeka Ugwuanyi
MANAGEMENT of Nigerstar 7 – a joint venture between two big oil services companies, Subsea 7 and Jagal Group, has advised the Federal Government to compel owners of Nigerian vessels to carry out dry-docking and repairs of their vessels in Nigeria to stem revenue losses.
The management spoke at a ceremony to unveil the acquisition and reflagging of its two major offshore support vessels – the Seven Antares and the Seven Inagha, held at Nigerdock’s Snake Island Integrated Free Zone in Lagos.
According to the Chairman of Nigerstar 7, Mr. Anwar Jarmakani, “Too many vessels operate in Nigeria and do their dry-docking services around West Africa and elsewhere. This is not healthy for the Nigerian economy. In order to prevent economic loss, and provide further jobs and opportunities, we recommend that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Content Development Management Board (NCDMB) always request that vessels engaged in cabotage and oil and gas projects are mandated to provide evidence of in-country dry-docking and Class repairs as part of any tender process.
“We also appeal to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to recognise and support companies like Nigerstar 7 and Nigerdock – and to support our bold investment strategies, prized safety culture and transparent business ethics.”
He decried lack of competitive bidding in the industry, saying “in the area of competitive bidding, a number of tenders and project awards have been overshadowed by the activities of pretentious companies that do not have the requisite experience. These are the kind of companies that have neither the intention nor aspiration to build in-country infrastructure. They lack the national commitment, dedication and human capital to deliver complex projects on time and within budget.
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“Nigerstar 7’s current investment further strengthens our national fleet, confirming the company’s leading role among Nigerian-owned and flagged vessels. This move also supports the nation’s position as one of the world’s leading players in the oil and gas industry. It is a clear demonstration of Nigerstar 7’s commitment to adding capacity and ‘’Made in Nigeria solutions.
“We are encouraged and fully support NNPC’s plan to increase national oil production to three million barrels per day. This will drive further investments and growth in the industry, supporting the nation’s economic policies and strategic national interest.
“We will remain focused and committed to your vision for our industry. We firmly believe that with the right application of government economic policies, the future is bright for Nigeria.”
The Sales and Marketing Director of NigerStar 7, Mr. Derek Izedonmwen, said: “It is our belief that the offshore construction space in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is a veritable platform for the industrialisation of the country and its overall economic development. NigerStar 7 has moved ahead of the pack, not only to contribute in developing our great country, but also because it makes good business sense for us to develop local capacity.
“Over the past five years Nigerstar 7 and Nigerdock have continuously demonstrated world-class project execution expertise by taking on and delivering jobs of ever-increasing scope and complexity. We were strategic partners in projects like Total Usan FPSO topsides, Chevron’s Meji & Okan Platforms, DSO Meren GGCP & Sonam NWP Projects, offshore fabrication, Exxon Mobil Erha North Phase 2 project, Ofon Phase II Living Quarters and many others,” he said.
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