NAN-HE-13
Exploration
By Kingsley Okoye
Abuja, Jan. 13, 2017 (NAN) The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says it will collaborate with Schlumberger to develop state-of-the-art technology to intensify search for commercial hydrocarbon deposits in Chad basin.
A statement in Abuja on Friday by Mr Ndu Ughamadu, NNPC Group General Manager (Public Affairs), said that Dr Babatunde Adeniran, the Chief Operating Officer, COO Ventures, made the promise.
The statement said that the corporation was also on the verge of executing an agreement with Schlumberger to foster teamwork in vital areas bordering on exploration and reservoir management, among others.
“We are concluding partnership arrangement with Schlumberger in four research areas commencing 2017.
“The first is exploration and risks assessment studies of the Nigerian frontier basins which include the upper Benue where NNPC is currently carrying out exploration works.
“We believe this will help the ongoing campaign in the Chad Basin and the upper Benue.
“Other areas of exploration include: Wellbore Instabilities studies to assist in reducing drilling costs through prevention of stuck pipes (especially for directional drillings), improve safety and drilling performance.
“The agreement also covers formation damage prevention to improve oil and gas recovery and economic viability of the reservoir, risk reduction, complex depositional systems and drilling challenges, among others,’’ it said.
The statement said that the research and development division of the corporation was ready to take full advantage of the $1 billion dollar global endowment fund for research instituted by Schlumberger.
“These projects were showcased at the last conference of the National Association of Petroleum Explorationists, (NAPE).
“As if we knew, Schlumberger at the session announced $1 billion to be spent on research from next year worldwide.
“This is a coincidence and a plus to research and development as this will provide opportunity to explore improvement on exploration activities in Nigeria,’’ it added.
The statement said that NNPC was working toward reaching an accord with Schlumberger on Pressure Volume and Temperature (PVT) sampling and analysis.
“Schlumberger initially planned to set up its own PVT laboratory in Nigeria, but discovered that NNPC research and development already has a well-equipped laboratory.
“They concluded then that instead of setting up theirs, they can partner with R & D,’’ the statement said.
The NNPC said that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed by both organisations and NNPC was on the verge of executing its own part. (NAN)
KC/OIF/TA
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Tajudeen Atitebi