Azule Energy awarded Saipem a new offshore contract worth approximately $1 billion to support the development of the Greater PAJ project off the coast of Angola, an initiative that is shaping up to be one of the most significant ultra-deepwater developments in sub-Saharan Africa.
The agreement was awarded through Azule Energy Exploration (Angola) Limited and Azule Energy Angola BV, subsidiaries of the joint venture created by Eni and bp. The contract has an estimated duration of 40 months and focuses primarily on transportation and subsea installation activities.
Greater PAJ strengthens offshore development in Angola
The Greater PAJ project is located approximately 200 kilometers off the coast of Angola and is part of the country’s offshore production expansion strategy.
Recently, the project partners approved the final investment for the development, considered one of the largest oil initiatives currently underway in the region. This decision reinforces the interest in harnessing resources located in ultra-deep waters using advanced technologies and specialized engineering solutions.
Technical scope of the contract awarded to Saipem
As part of the contracted work, Saipem will be responsible for the engineering, manufacturing, transport and installation of approximately 180 kilometers of rigid pipes and underwater infrastructure at depths of up to 2,000 meters.
In addition, the scope includes the installation of 38 kilometers of flexible pipes and underwater branches, along with 54 kilometers of umbilical cables intended to connect and operate the production systems on the seabed.
These activities require specialized technical capabilities to operate in complex environments where pressure and depth conditions present significant challenges for the execution of offshore projects.
Local manufacturing and deployment of specialized vessels
Part of the manufacturing associated with the contract will take place at Saipem’s Ambriz shipyard in Angola. The company noted that it will involve local companies and Angolan labor, contributing to the strengthening of the country’s industrial supply chain.
Furthermore, the offshore installation campaign includes the deployment of the FDS and Castorone construction vessels, two of the company’s main offshore fleet assets for highly complex underwater operations.
A strategic alliance between Azule Energy and Saipem
The award strengthens the relationship between Saipem and Azule Energy in the Angolan energy market, and also reinforces Saipem’s image as a leading provider for deep-water underwater engineering and construction projects.
With this contract, the companies are advancing the development of critical infrastructure for the Greater PAJ project, an initiative aimed at increasing Angola’s offshore production capacity and supporting oil and gas activity in one of the most important energy markets on the African continent.
Source: Saipem
Photo: Shutterstock
