Harkand and its local consortium partner TOS Angola Lda has secured a three-year contract to deliver inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) services in Angola for an undisclosed oil company operating in the West Africa region.

The recently upgraded multi-purpose dive support vessel (DSV) Swordfish has been mobilised to support the project and provide air, surface gas and saturation diving services for the work in Cabinda, Angola.

Harkand’s managing director for North America and Africa, AJ Jain, said: “This is a new consortium for Harkand in another West Africa region; we are extremely proud to have been selected by our client to support their IRM activities offshore Cabinda.

“The block we will be working in is of extreme importance to Angola’s petroleum industry therefore we understand the importance of maintaining production to our client and expect to fully support all their subsea inspection, repair and maintenance needs in the safest and most cost efficient manner utilising the DSV Swordfish.”

Harkand’s recently appointed general manager for Africa, Doug Fieldgate, said: “Harkand is working closely with our consortium partner and client to ensure we develop local capacities by maximising the use of nationals and implementing skills transfer programmes. Our efforts to achieve this goal has been demonstrated in the execution of projects in Ghana and Nigeria and will remain a top priority as we move into Angola.

“Group TOS Lda is a local Angolan company which specialises in marine and offshore sectors. TOS will provide all local logistical efforts, including all local personnel required to complete this work program safely.”