The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCO) has revised its planned offshore pipeline cleaning and inspection exercise, known as “pigging,” to start on February 3, 2025.
WAPCO noted in a statement that the exercise was initially set to commence on January 20, 2025, but was rescheduled to accommodate the interests of key stakeholders.
“The comprehensive cleaning and inspection exercise is a key regulatory requirement and aligns with industry best practices to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP),” the release stated.
The four-week exercise will involve the temporary suspension of reverse gas flow from Ghana’s Western Region to Tema and the shutdown of key facilities in Tema, Ghana, Lomé, Togo, and Cotonou, Benin.
During the shutdown period, WAPCO will replace subsea valves at strategic locations to enhance operational safety.
The exercise is part of WAPCO’s efforts to maintain the integrity of the WAGP and ensure its continued safe and reliable operation across the West African region.
WAPCO is required to conduct these inspections every five years.
The West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) is a regional infrastructure linking natural gas resources to customers in the West Africa sub-region, particularly in Ghana.
