- Marine Platforms Trains Nigerian Engineers
Marine Platforms Limited said it had completed a training programme for a set of Nigerian engineers under the Human Capacity Development scheme of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.
A statement on Wednesday said the training was undertaken under the Agbami Phase III Project for transportation, installation and pre-commissioning of various sub-sea umbilicals, risers, flowlines and other infrastructure executed by Marine Platforms for Star Deepwater Exploration and Production Limited, a Chevron company.
It described the Human Capacity Development programme as a drive pursued by the NCDMB in fulfilling its mandate to address the dearth of trained manpower in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
The company said the training curriculum was developed to give participants maximum exposure to the operational workings of the oil industry from a service contractor’s perspective.
It said the programme was structured over six months and was designed to give hands-on experience in the subsea segment of the oil and gas industry.
The trainees also experienced several practical exercises aboard Marine Platforms ‘chartered’ offshore construction vessel, the Polar Onyx and the Marine Platforms owned and full duty paid multipurpose support vessel, the African Inspiration, which were both deployed for the Agbami Phase 3 operations. They also had practical involvement in the mobilization of major work scopes such as acid injection operation and suction pile installation on the Agbami Field.
Chevron’s Deep-water and Facilities Engineering Manager, Mr. Ike Obinwa, was quoted as saying at the ceremony marking the end of the programme, “People development is what we value. We have had so many achievements on the Agbami phase 3 project and this is another feat that adds value. These set of skills will enable them to develop their career and make them valuable to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.”
The Human Capacity Development Manager, NCDMB, Mr. Maurice Iwhiwhu, described the programme as another major outcome that further contributed to human capacity development in the industry.
“With an agenda to bridge the skills gap in the country, NCDMB has collaborated with companies such as Chevron and Marine Platforms to promote personnel development across the sector,” he said.
The Chief Finance and Administrative Officer, Marine Platforms, Mr. Baji Nyam, said the company was grateful and proud to have had the opportunity to promote the development of Nigerians.
He said, “The growth of local capacity in both human and equipment is a key aspect of the company’s objectives in its contribution to nation building through local content.”
According to him, Marine Platforms’ training and development programmes have increased consistently over the years in various areas such as the training of seafarers, maritime cadets, ROV pilot technicians and subsea engineers.
“It is Marine Platforms’ dream to see that Nigerian youths of today are well prepared to take over the operations in the Nigerian oil and gas and maritime industries,” he said.
