Kenyon Deploys Nigeria’s First FlexSteel Offshore Pipeline System
Nigeria has completed its first offshore FlexSteel pipeline installation at OML 123, introducing composite flowline technology aimed at reducing installation time and offshore maintenance challenges.
(P&GJ) — Kenyon International West Africa has announced the successful commissioning of Nigeria’s first-ever FlexSteel unbonded flexible pipeline system, marking a pivotal shift in the nation’s offshore infrastructure capabilities.
The project, executed at the ANTAN/ADANGA OML 123 Concession for NNPC Antan Producing Limited, involved the installation of a total of 8 km pipeline (4 km for Gas and 4 km for Oil respectively) 6-inch high-pressure underwater unbonded flexible flowline connecting the ADRP1 and ADNH offshore platforms.
The deployment is a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s energy sector, delivering a high-performance solution for both oil and gas services. While traditional underwater pipeline projects in the Gulf of Guinea typically struggle with long lead times, Kenyon International completed installation and commissioning within the shortest possible lead time; an 80% reduction in project duration that has saved the client millions in potential production downtime.
The use of FlexSteel technology, a spoolable, steel-reinforced composite, represents a structural argument against the limitations of conventional carbon steel. By utilizing longer, continuous pipe lengths, Kenyon significantly reduced the number of underwater connections, effectively minimizing potential leak points and enhancing environmental safety.
"In an era where every barrel counts, the industry can no longer afford the luxury of three-year infrastructure cycles," said Dr Victor Ekpenyong, Chief Executive Officer of Kenyon International. "At OML 123, we didn't just install a pipeline; we proved that Nigeria can restore production capacity at an accelerated pace. Delivering this wasn't just a technical goal; it was an economic necessity for our client and the national output."
The project was executed through a strategic partnership with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), FlexSteel LLC, based in Houston, Texas. While the technology has seen global success in the Permian Basin and Brazil, its first-ever deployment in Nigeria was spearheaded entirely by Kenyon’s indigenous engineering team.
Headquartered in Port Harcourt with offices in Texas and Uganda, Kenyon International leveraged its local logistics intelligence to manage complex offshore coordination, proving that Nigerian firms are now the primary drivers of localizing global innovations.
Impact on National Energy Security
The immediate outcome of the ADRP1–ADNH installation is the restoration of critical production capacity for NNPC Antan. Beyond a single field, this project serves as a "Proof of Concept" for the entire West African region. As operators grapple with ageing brownfield assets and the corrosive offshore environment, Kenyon’s successful use of smooth-bore, corrosion-resistant composites offers a fast-track alternative to traditional, high-maintenance steel lines.
"What we have delivered is a blueprint for the future of the Gulf of Guinea," Dr Ekpenyong added. "We have combined global technology with local execution to deliver world-class infrastructure in record time. We are proving that 'Indigenous Capacity' is now synonymous with 'Global Efficiency.'