As the Nigerian authorities prepare to award licences for 57 marginal fields later this year, how can successful operators fast–track to first oil? Below we share our top priorities for tackling marginal field development in Nigeria: 

1. Change is the enemy – plan ahead  

Make safe assumptions on the main functionalities of the field development and use key parameters such as site-specific soil and environmental data to understand and establish the production location. From there, most other elements of the field development can fall into place relatively simply.  

It’s a logical process that minimises risk and cost, and sets the basis from where engineering, design, build and installation can move at pace. It also positions operators to progress long-lead items and assess their fabrication options in good time, avoiding serious competition for in-country engineering support and fabrication yard space. 

1. Don’t be afraid to sidestep conventional field development 

For bidders looking to avoid manufacturing pressure points – while at the same time injecting new efficiency into the process – there are options if they choose to sidestep the conventional field development model.  

Our alternative offering is particularly evident in our infrastructure solutions: specifically, the modular Sea Swift platform, which is operational across four projects in the region today and is specially designed to reduce time to first oil in shallow water developments.  

The conductor–supported design of the platform, critically, offers fabrication flexibility – its fabrication requires a smaller facility than a conventional jacket for the same water depths. It can even be spread across a number of smaller yards, for example, supporting local content goals while making use of specialist facilities elsewhere – and reduces both build and installation costs.  

1. Think about decarbonisation benefits 

Smaller marginal field developments present distinct opportunities for operators to deliver on their emissions objectives.  

An example based on the selection of the Sea Swift as the structural solution: given that a jack-up rig is likely to be on site already for drilling operations, using it to install the platform removes entirely the need to bring a heavy lift vessel (HLV) on location. The carbon reduction benefit? It’s calculated that sailing an HLV from Western Europe to West Africa for an individual task results in around 3,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions.  

With Nigeria targeting a 20 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, operators can position themselves to support both country ambitions and those of their business.  

In these respects, change is no enemy. In a fast–evolving industry, companies which respond best to efficiency imperatives, ESG obligations and technological field development advances undoubtedly have an edge.   

Find out how we can help to support your marginal field development and reduce its time to first oil.