In Angola, an inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) company, Harkand, has been awarded a three-year contract to provide its services for a leading international oil company operating in Cabinda.

The company is to use its newly improved multi-purpose dive support vessel (DVS) Swordfish to support the project with surface gas and saturation diving services.

As a matter of fact, $10.5 million was used in the DVS Swordfish upgrade which includes a 15-man diving system, 3-man bell, self-propelled hyperbaric lifeboat (SPHL) and a committed hyperbaric rescue facility (HRF).

“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 utilizing the DSV Swordfish”, AJ Jain Harkand’s MD for North America and Africa told Offshore Energy Today.

According to Harkand’s GM for Africa, developing local capacities by taking full advantage of the use of locals and carrying out skill transfer programmes is a key part of the three-year project. The company is to work together with local Angolan company, Group TOS Lda.

“Harkand is working closely with our consortium partner and client to ensure we develop local capacities by maximizing the use of nationals and implementing skills transfer programmes. TOS will provide all local logistical efforts, including all local personnel required to complete this work program safely.”