The LADOL Observer - Issue 1

The Observer | Newsletter – Issue 1 July 2016

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PRESIDENTIAL APPROVAL FOR LADOL

2016 has got off to an excellent start for us here at LADOL, with incredible progress at the LADOL Free Zone (LFZ) and rapidly growing support from both local and international private and public sector. We have received praise from both the Nigerian Customs Service and members of the UK Parliament, and we have now come to the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari.

At the sixth African Petroleum

Congress and Exhibition (CAPE VI) in

March, President Buhari endorsed three

companies, two of which were LADOL

Free Zone Enterprises, namely LiLE and

SHI-MCI FZE. The President stated that

these enterprises are strategic investors

helping to drive Nigeria’s economic

growth.

LADOL aims to attract up to $5

billion in investment into Nigeria by

providing

the LFZ. LADOL will also

increase productivity in Nigeria by

providing facilities in which large

LADOL aims to attract up to $5

billion in investment into Nigeria by

building strategic infrastructures so large

industrial projects can be completed in

the country for the first time.

President Buhari added that the LADOL and Samsung Heavy Industries partnership will help Nigeria on its way to becoming a leading global economy.

President Muhammadu Buhari

Endorses LADOL President Buhari has endorsed LADOL as a strategically important location

which adds value to the Nigerian economy by investing in infrastructure which in turn creates jobs and boosts the economy By Efe Obaigbena

The Observer Newsletter | Issue 1

FREE ZONE VISITS

NCDMB Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board, Patrick Obah, came to inspect the Free Zone, photographed above with Executive Chairman, Ladi Jadesimi, and Oil Company Executives from Total, Shell, Exxon, Chevron and AGIP.

Members of UK Government Senior UK Government officials paid a visit to the Free Zone. The delegation included Members of Parliament and representatives from the UK Department for International Development, as well as the British High Commissioner.

PETAN Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria officials visited the Free Zone. They agreed to work closely with LADOL to drive up Real Nigerian Content and lower local prices.

Nigerian Customs Service “Seeing is believing” said the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Colonel Hameed Ali, after touring the Free Zone in early April. He was highly impressed with the facilities and gave LADOL his seal of approval.

@LADOL_FreeZone

LADOL Free Zone

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ENTERPRISE FEATURE: AFRICOAT FZE

transferred our equipment from ship to quayside to our area and commenced mobilisation and commissioning. LADOL will be a vital part of our pipe-coating production processes. Ocean-going vessels will arrive with bare steel pipes and foreign-sourced raw materials to be off-loaded and placed into stockpile. This movement, to include equipment and personnel, will be handled by LADOL in conjunction with Africoat and in accordance to project requirements and specifications. I have worked in similar environments in many countries and I can say without reservation that LADOL provides a world-class facility and services. Proximity to quayside for offshore pipes is paramount in our business and a critical driver in our competitiveness. LADOL provides everything required within a few hundred metres of our plant site. EO: Do you believe the current low oil price environment poses a threat to

Efe Obaigbena: Tell us about Africoat, what you do, and what services do you provide?

Butch Ford: Africoat provides high-quality corrosion coatings, internal flow coatings, subsea weight coating and thermal insulation coatings to line pipes for crude oil, petroleum products, and gas and water pipeline projects in West Africa. Our main focus at present is gas pipelines due to the downturn in crude oil development projects. Nigeria’s Gas Master Plan is the hot topic now.

EO: Can you tell us about your current project at the LADOL Free Zone (LFZ)?

BF: Africoat is currently in the final phases of mobilisation and set-up, and expect to commission the facility on or about 1st June 2016. Our equipment is in place and soft start-up testing indicates that all is well. We are completing civil works and land preparation at this time. EO: How long have you been working at the LFZ and what are your views of the organisation?

BF: We have been working at LADOL since mid-2013. We understood that it would take approximately 30 months to c0mplete. Africoat has developed a solid working relationship with LADOL. We feel LADOL management has gone the extra mile in assisting Africoat through some of the delays and setbacks. Africoat and LADOL want the same thing so finding common ground is very easy. EO: What facilities have you been using at the LFZ and how do they compare to others you’ve worked on globally?

BF: To date we have had limited need of

the LADOL facilities. We off-loaded and

transferred our equipment from ship to

price environment poses a threat to your business and the Nigerian market operating in the industry?

BF: Low crude oil prices pose no threat to our business and the Nigerian pipeline market in general. Nigeria’s need for gas is rapidly increasing with development of gas-fired industries such as refineries, fertiliser plants and electrical power plants. All of which require gas infrastructure pipelines, metering stations, etc.

EO: What is it like dealing within the market environment?

BF: The market environment is currently cautious and calculated, but offers opportunities to contractors and service providers that provide high-quality services at competitive rates. When the market environment is lean, it forces contractors and service providers to become lean, and more efficient to cut cost and survive.

NIGERIA’S LEADER IN ADVANCED PIPELINE

COATING SYSTEMS Butch Ford, the Managing Director of Nigerian-owned Africoat, is an American who has lived and worked all over the

world since 1980. He has been involved in the pipeline-coating business with Bredero Shaw, formerly Bredero Price, in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, Russia and the former CIS countries during this period. He started as a Project Engineer in the Middle East and completed his employment as Director of Project Development for the Eastern Hemisphere. Ford spoke to LADOL’s Marketing Officer, Efe Obaigbena, about his current work at the LADOL Free Zone.

Africoat CWC Plant

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requirement to meet the day-to-day business needs as it would be in the Delta region. EO: Have you worked with any of the members of the community around the LFZ? If so, what are your views on local talent, as well as training and working with them?

BF: We have taken a limited number of skilled and unskilled personnel from the local community. There are always a few who can’t or won’t catch on, but for the most part, we have been very pleased with the final cut of personnel we have at present. Once we are in production our manpower requirements will increase considerably. We have an ‘On The Job’ training programme for newcomers. Africoat has the luxury of knowing and employing several Nigerians with extensive pipe-coating experience. EO: What opportunities has the LFZ brought?

BF: Location, services and facilities are major attractions. The IOCs, EPC contractors and general client base are fully aware of LADOL so recognition is a contributing factor. EO: What is the most interesting and/or unique part operating from the LFZ?

costs and survive. EO: Which of your services have seen most demand during the downturn?

BF: The downturn is primarily in oilfield development. There is relatively no difference in external corrosion coating requirements for oil versus gas pipelines. Africoat is and will be tendering for several gas pipeline projects and there are a few crude oil replacement pipeline projects. Many larger oilfield development projects are on the drawing board waiting for crude prices to rise to a level which allows major capital investments. EO: How have the services and facilities at the LFZ aided your ability to deliver?

BF: Africoat stakeholders did not take location lightly when developing our plans to go forward with a high-capacity pipe coating facility in Nigeria. We studied several potential locations with a detailed checklist. Africoat also solicited responses from potential clients to understand the importance from their perspective. LADOL offers clean, modern, safe and secure services and facilities in and around the largest seaport in Nigeria. Lagos complements LADOL to the extent that housing and transportation is available and high-security personnel are not a requirement to meet the day-to-day

unique part of operating from the LFZ?

BF: One of the best things about operating from LADOL is that it offers high-quality service and facilities, with a management team that is accessible at all times. Quick responses through open communication accessible at all times. This is the key to a successful operation. EO: What else is on the agenda for 2016?

BF: We are currently looking at an internal flow-coating plant and increasing our concrete weight-coating capacity to accommodate a major offshore gas pipeline project in Nigeria. We are exploring equipment options for deep-water flow assurance coating solutions for offshore Nigeria. EO: How do you think the current industry trends and forecasted trends will affect business?

BF: I hope that there is nowhere to go but up. Again, the pipeline market in Nigeria is down but not out like many other oil-rich regions of the world. I believe we will start seeing prices inching higher in the second half of 2016. This should allow capital investments, that have been on the back burner during the last couple of years, to return.

Butch Ford, Africoat MD

Africoat Bare Pipe Incoming Racks

Africoat Outgoing Blastline

Africoat Facilities on LADOL Free Zone

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IN THE MEDIA

Trans&Maritime Report GM PSC Eng. James Jock and GM Nipex Eng. Kanayo Odoe explained why the NNPC and NCDMB supported the development of the integration facility at LADOL in Trans&Maritime recently. The two described the Free Zone as a long overdue ‘game changer’ and praised LADOL for staying the course and making sure that the facility was built.

Channels The Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, Mr. Gbenga Kuye, commended the local content policy of LADOL. In a recent TV report, he described LADOL as an industrial park, given the growing capacity at the Free Zone. Mr. Kuye also said he was pleased with the number of Nigerians working on jobs previously reserved for expatriates.

CNN In CNN’s report on what’s ahead for Africa’s oil and gas industry, correspondent, Rosie Tomkins, met with Dr. Amy Jadesimi and other key figures in Africa’s oil and gas industry to find out what they believe is the best way forward for Africa’s oil-producing nations.

LADOL MD, Dr. Amy Jadesimi, at The Economist’s

Nigeria Summit, March 7th – 8th

NOTABLE OFFSHORE SUPPORT PROJECTS

The Norman Vision is a purpose-built new generation DP3 subsea high-capacity construction vessel operated by the Norwegian company, Ocean Installer. The brand new 157-metre installation vessel is designed to operate efficiently under demanding conditions for subsea structures, umbilicals, risers and flowlines operations. The giant vessel is 156.7 metres long, 27 metres wide, and 8.5 metres draft with deadweight of over 12000T.

The vessel was hired by Folawiyo Aje Services Limited (FASL) and embarked on her maiden visit to Nigeria on 30th January 2016, for Aje field subsea installation project located at OML 113 at Benin Basin of Western Nigeria which is approximately 24km from the shoreline. The vessel mobilised from LADOL with the first load out and installation of 8”

approximately 24km from the shoreline. The vessel mobilised from LADOL with the first load out and installation of 8” 1.6km production riser, 8” 1.4km production flowline, suction pile, production manfold, electrical and hydraulic flying leads and on the second visit picked up the 4” 3km gas lift flowline, umbilical and flexible jumpers all fully and successfully installed and integrated in 3,000 metres water depth using advanced technology remotely operated vessels. The vessel demobilised after a successful completion of subsea installation scope and departed LADOL quay on the 3rd March 2016 at 17.25hrs.

This is the first project to be completed using 100% indigenous Nigerian base support for a 100% Nigerian client.

The Norman Vision

The Norman Vision docked at LADOL quayside

Transfer of production flowline reel from storage to quayside using 500MT

self-propelled modular truck (SPMT) for load out

Briefing by our Marine Logistics Supt. prior to commencement of operation

Departure of The Norman Vision at twilight on the 3rd of March

Handling heavy lifts with ease Fully integrated logistics

base

Certified local and international logistics

team

24/7 operations

By Johnson Igwe

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INSPIRATIONAL LEADERS IN THE COMMUNITY: ADEDAYO AKINBODE

In 2011 I had a comprehensive medical check-up, which showed I had a high level of cholesterol. I was told I had to change my diet and increase my physical activity otherwise I wouldn’t last long. I didn’t know what to do, so I did nothing. Then in 2012 Shell introduced the Global Corporate Challenge; the essence was to count steps to promote a healthy lifestyle, challenging the organisation by providing pedometers for everyone, explaining that the average person needs 10,000 steps daily for a healthy lifestyle.

I found out I was taking about 1,000 to 2,000 steps a day and colleagues internationally were taking up to 30,0000 steps. I’m a very competitive person, so when I realised 10,000 steps could be done daily, I decided to change my lifestyle. I started by reducing phone calls in the office, going directly to colleagues; stopped using the elevator, even to the 17th floor; and decided to park my car at the furthest spot. I reached 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day, and subsequently started losing weight, however, I was still not at 30,000 daily steps.

I started jogging after work, getting home before my colleagues who were stuck in traffic, and on Saturday mornings. The turning point was when I was out jogging and it started raining and there was no shelter in sight. I kept on going, thinking to myself “People must think I’m crazy! A grown woman running in the rain.” Then I saw another woman running on the opposite side of the road, we caught up with each other and she said “I’m not the only mad person.” We became friends and decided we would do this together.

She later recommended training for a marathon explaining it was a 42 kilometre race. I couldn’t imagine it, but when I looked it up I got excited; I found out it was something that was done globally and only 1% of the entire world’s population belonged to this ‘elite runners’ club. I wanted to be part of, so I started working towards it.

I started with a half marathon, 21.2km in Accra, Ghana. On the streets of Accra, I felt like a superstar on stage

RUNNING HIGH Shell’s Contracting & Procurement Team Lead, Dayo Akinbode, started

running marathons a few years ago – now she’s flying our Nations flag across the world. She explains to Efe Obaigbena how running has transformed her life Accra, I felt like a superstar on stage when

I heard the cheers from the sidelines. When I crossed the finish line I knew I had to do it again. The next closest marathon was in Dubai, UAE, with only a 10km and a full marathon. I wasn’t going to go all the way to Dubai to run 10km. So before I discussed it with anyone, I registered, booked my hotel and my flight. “You can’t run a full marathon, you just can’t! It’s just not possible.” people said; it was too late. The Dubai marathon was hard, but I will never forget towards the end I could see the 40km sign in the distance and started crying. I was crying because I remembered all the discouragement from everyone, but I did it. This is how I got into marathons without actually meaning to.

Since then, I’ve done 15 marathons in 13 countries, including an ultra-marathon, 66km, and lost count of the half marathons I’ve done. I’ve become a social runner; running fast enough to finish the race, but slow enough to see and enjoy the scenery within the stipulated time. There’s no point coming all the way from Nigeria, and running so fast that I don’t see what is happening. I remember when I ran in Antarctica, there was no time limit, I actually strolled. I made sure I enjoyed the scenery as I didn’t know when I would be back there again.

My best marathons were in Tanzania, running through banana plantations with a breathtaking view of Mt. Kilimanjaro; and in Zimbabwe, running through the national reserve by the Victoria Falls, with animals in their natural habitats. I love any marathon that takes me out of the city, however, the marathon I would really like to run someday, is the Boston marathon. Any runner who has not run the Boston marathon is not regarded as a real runner.

Running marathons has affected all aspects of my life. It has taken me around the world, taken me to places I could only dream of and brought a lot of people into my life. I always hold the flag as I cross the finish line, my goal is to fly the flag in as many countries as possible. It taught me that in any goal, challenge, or assignment I’m given, I know that as long as I take one step after the other, I’ll get to the finish

step after the other, I’ll get to the finish line.

I used to be very sedentary, it’s our culture. When I first stopped driving and started walking, people would see me on the road and ask, “Ah ah, wetin do your car?” The average Nigerian thinks a sedentary lifestyle is a sign of wellbeing. However, it’s the opposite and the most important thing is that you are healthy. I ran my first marathon four days after my 46th birthday. When I started, people would tell me “Ah, you will kill yourself oh!” But now I’m actually fitter and look younger than I used to. I have a friend who runs marathons and he’s 77! I think the older you get, the more active you should be because it keeps you youthful. It opens up your mind, enabling you to think; I get my best ideas when I’m running, I’m able to shut every other thing out and meditate. Your brain also generates endorphins when you’re physically active, producing this happy feeling, especially when running; it’s called ‘the Runner’s High’, it’s like you’re on something. This is what having an active lifestyle does to you.

Healthy living and an active lifestyle means you get moving, you get out of your comfort zone and one thing I can say is, it’s addictive. Nothing beats being active, because it has a lot of benefits. Find a peaceful activity that you love, it doesn’t have to be running, it can be anything as long as you’re moving your body. Don’t start big; you’ll burn out and hate it and it takes discipline and determination. Start small, enjoy it and consult your doctor before you start.

Dayo Akinbode at the Tokyo Marathon 2016

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Sharon Nene (iREP Media Team)

interviewing a German Film maker

LADOL IN THE COMMUNITY: IREPRESENT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The iRepresent International

Documentary Film Festival (iREP) was

held at the Freedom Park in Lagos over

the Easter weekend. iREP is designed to

promote awareness of independent

documentary film making in Nigeria and

throughout Africa. The organisation puts

great emphasis on promoting and

training both aspiring and practising

documentary film makers and aims to

provide such talent with a global

platform.

This year the acclaimed festival

continued with the 'Africa in Self-

Conversation' framework which has

powered it since its inception. The theme

this year was #Change: Documentary

Film as Agent Provocateur.

The weekend was jam-packed with a

series of screenings, talks and

presentations. Guests included

playwright and poet, Wole Soyinka;

Malian film-maker, Professor Manthia

Diawara; and film director, Professor Niyi

Coker.

LADOL took the opportunity to give

its support to iREP by providing

sponsorship for this year's event. The

influential festival, which is now in its

sixth year, was started by Nigerians Femi

Odugbemi, Jahman Anikulapo and Makin

Soyinka in 2011.

LADOL SPONSORS FILM FESTIVAL

Wole Soyinka photographed with Prof Manthia Diawara, BK Bola Kujore

Jane Mote delivering the

opening day keynote address

Jahman Anikulapo, iREP

Co-Founder

KEY DATES

“LADOL has had the boldness to tap into the advantages of the Nigerian Content Act. This place I was told was swampy, now it’s a world class $500 million facility. For them to have done this tells a lot about their conviction to drive the real Nigerian content!”

Patrick Obah, NCDMB

For more information and company updates,

visit www.LADOL.com

Follow us on Twitter @LADOL_freezone

Find us on LinkedIn

What’s App 08158612774

Contact Efe Obaigbena for any enquires

[email protected]

FOR MORE INFORMATION

JULY 19th – 21st | PowerGen Africa (Johannesburg, South Africa)

20th – 22nd | Integrated Project Control (Makati, Philippines)

25th – 27th | Integrated Project Control (Johannesburg, South Africa)

AUGUST

1st – 3rd | Unconventional Resources Technology Conference (San Antonio, TX, USA)

2nd – 4th | Nigeria Annual International Conference & Exhibition (Lagos, Nigeria)

10th – 11th | NAPE Summer (Houston, TX, USA)

14th – 18th | EnerCom’s The Oil & Gas Conference (Denver, CO, USA)

17th – 18th | Africa Small & Marginal Oil Fields Development Conference (London, UK)

29th – 31st | Enterprise Risk Management Africa (Nairobi, Kenya)

SEPTEMBER 4th – 8th | Second Applied Shallow Marine Geophysics Conference (Barcelona, Spain)

5th | Africa Oil & Gas and Energy Conference (Perth, Australia)

6th – 7th | African Ports Evolution – West Africa (Accra, Ghana)

6th – 9th | AAPG/SEG International Conference & Exhibition (Cancún, Mexico)

14th – 15th | SPE Deepwater Drilling and Completions Conference (Galveston, TX, USA)

14th – 15th | 2nd Annual Internet of Things in Oil and Gas (Houston, TX, USA)

26th – 28th | SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (Dubai, UAE)

27th – 29th | Power Nigeria (Lagos, Nigeria)

27th – 29th | Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Exhibition & Conference (Abuja, Nigeria)

By Efe Obaigbena

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http://www.ladol.com/

https://twitter.com/ladol_freezone

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ladol-integrated-logistics-free-zone-enterprise

mailto:[email protected]


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Documents

The LADOL Observer - Issue 1