The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCO) has announced a new schedule for its offshore pipeline cleaning and inspection operation, commonly known as “pigging.
” Initially set to begin on January 20, 2025, the exercise will now commence on February 3, 2025, to accommodate key stakeholder interests.
Temporary service suspension
The four-week maintenance project will require the temporary suspension of reverse gas flow from Ghana’s Western Region to Tema, as well as the shutdown of critical facilities in Tema (Ghana), Lomé (Togo), and Cotonou (Benin).
During this period, WAPCO will also replace subsea valves at these locations, a measure aimed at improving operational safety.
Regulatory mandate and industry standards
The comprehensive cleaning and inspection exercise, a regulatory requirement, aligns with industry best practices to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP).
Spanning over 678 kilometers, the pipeline stretches from Itoki in Ogun State, Nigeria, to Takoradi in Ghana’s Western Region.
Two-phase cleaning operation
The cleaning initiative is being conducted in two phases. The first phase, successfully completed in December 2024, focused on the onshore segment of the pipeline within Nigeria.
The upcoming second phase, scheduled to run from February 3 to March 2, 2025, will target the offshore section of the pipeline, extending from Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria, to Takoradi, Ghana.
Commitment to regional safety and reliability
WAPCO is required to carry out these inspections every five years as part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining the integrity of the pipeline.
The company emphasizes that these efforts are essential to ensuring the continued safe and reliable delivery of natural gas across the West African region.
Stakeholders and affected communities have been assured that the exercise will be executed with minimal disruption while prioritizing safety and efficiency.
