Namibian operator strikes offshore oil gold

Breakwater Offshore Services and Investments has become the first wholly Namibian-owned operator to secure a direct offshore vessel charter, supporting Rhino Resources’ latest deep-sea oil-drilling campaign.

The company says it has been awarded a vessel charter to support offshore operations and mobilisation activities for the Saipem 12000.

It will deploy its offshore support vessel, the Atlantic Ranger, during the drilling campaign.

The charter supports offshore oil and gas operations linked to Rhino Resources’ drilling activities.

Managing director Peter Sylvester says the contract demonstrates that Namibian companies have the expertise and operational capacity to meet international industry standards.

“This is basically testimony that we do have the expertise. We do have the know-how. And, most importantly, Namibia is already there. We can do the job,” Sylvester says.

He says the perception has existed that Namibian companies do not have the capability to perform specialised offshore operations yet.

“Everybody wants the world to believe Namibia does not yet have the expertise and capability to perform according to international standards, but this is testimony that we are there already,” he says.

Sylvester says Breakwater entered the offshore supply industry in 2017 after acquiring its first offshore support vessel, the Sakawe Surveyor.

He says the company later expanded its operations by acquiring the Atlantic Ranger, an anchor handling tug and supply vessel.

According to Sylvester, support from industry players enabled the company to secure financing for the vessel and to continue building its offshore operations.

“They saw that Namibia does have locals to perform the tasks required,” he says.

Sylvester says Rhino Resources later contracted the Namibian company to support its offshore campaign.

“Rhino is absolutely happy with our performance, the capability of the vessel, and the performance of the officers and crew on board the vessel,” he says.

Sylvester says the charter indicates that local content policies in the oil and gas sector are “absolutely” beginning to produce results.

Breakwater says it provides marine services, including towing, logistics support, anchor handling, vessel management and offshore assistance for drilling operations.

The company says its involvement demonstrates that local operators are capable of supporting high-specification offshore assets in demanding environments.

Namibia’s oil and gas sector has seen increased activity following offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin by international energy companies.

Government and industry stakeholders have repeatedly called for increased participation of Namibian companies in the sector through contracts, employment and skills transfer.

Sylvester says the latest contract shows local companies are capable of competing in offshore operations traditionally handled by international service providers.

“We can perform the task for the international oil companies,” he says.

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