OMEGA
OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
The oil and gas industry is one of the most critical sectors in the world economy, accounting for a significant portion of the world’s energy needs. Due to the high value of the products and assets in the industry, it has become a prime target for various security threats such as theft, sabotage, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. To mitigate these risks, the industry has implemented various security measures and functions that ensure the safety of personnel, assets, and operations.
Recognising the opportunity, Omega got involved in the Oil and Gas industry early in the 21st century and we became responsible for protecting critical assets and facilities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, managing emergency responses, and maintaining the safety of personnel for a variety of clients. The extent of our involvement was determined by the individual clients.
One of the primary security concerns in the oil and gas industry is the protection of physical assets such as drilling rigs, pipelines, refineries, and storage facilities. These facilities are often located in remote or hostile environments, making them vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and sabotage. To address these threats, Omega normally implements a range of physical security measures such as surveillance cameras, access controls, perimeter fencing, and security patrols, taking into consideration the risk and client needs.
The security function in the oil and gas industry also plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The industry is subject to a range of national and international regulations that govern safety, environmental protection, and security. The security function is responsible for ensuring that the industry complies with these regulations, which includes conducting regular audits and risk assessments.
In addition to protecting physical assets and ensuring regulatory compliance, Omega is also responsible for managing emergency responses on sites. The industry is exposed to a range of potential emergencies, including natural disasters, accidents, and terrorist attacks. Omega therefore plays a critical role in developing emergency response plans, conducting training drills, and coordinating responses with relevant authorities.
The following is a brief summary of current and past contracts that Omega manages or managed in this highly demanding industry:
ANGOLA
ESSO Kwanda Base
ESSO is situated in the Northern Zaire Province in Angola. Kwanda Base is a logistical base that provides logistics to the offshore oil installations situated in Block 15 in Angola. In 2005 and 2006 Omega received a Gold Award for no LTIs, TWIs, MTIs or Environmental incidents on site. The contract was terminated in 2007.
ROC Oil Company (Later PetroPlus)
In 2008 Omega secured a prestigious contract in the provision of strategic risk management solutions in the Cabinda South Block for ROC Oil Company. The contract ended in 2015.
Technip Spool Base Barro de Dande
In 2005 Omega started with a contract with Technip Spool Base Barro de Dande providing perimeter protection, excess and egress control, escort services, drivers and mobile patrols. The Technip spool base is situated 65km Northwest of Luanda. Oil pipes are soldered up to lengths of 3km for use in ultra deep level boreholes on the seabed. The contract terminated on 31 December 2020 when Angoflex handed the base back to Sonangol.
Maersk Drilling
In addition to the security services Omega supplied to Maersk Oil in Angola, Omega commenced with services at Maersk Drilling in May 2012. The contract ended in January 2016.
Repsol Angola 22BV
Repsol Angola awarded the contract for the provision of security services in the Sonils Base in Luanda harbour to Omega on 17 December 2013. The contract terminated the end of 2019 when Repsol withdrew from Angola.
MOZAMBIQUE
Anadarko Contract: Oil Exploration
After discussions with the Anadarko Management late 2008 Arkhê Risk Solutions started in Mocimboa da Praia and Palma regions together with Artumus and GeoKinetics (that did the exploration for Natural Gas in August 2009). Operations and deployment of the first guards took place in Pemba and Palma on January 1st, 2009. Thereafter the deployment in Palma and Mocimboa da Praia occurred, and the guard force rapidly grew to almost 250 men.
Sasol Themane
Arkhê started at SASOL on 01 July 2011 and provided security for 11 years. The Project Manager at SASOL did an excellent job and grew the contract from 210 to 450 men by the end of the contract.
Total Energies
Anadarko discovered a vast quantity of natural gas off the coast of northern Mozambique in 2010, leading to a $20 billion Final Investment Decision by TOTAL in 2019. According to planning, the project was on track to deliver LNG in 2024. However, on March 24, 2021, about 200 fighters of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al Jamma’ah (ASWJ) carried out an attack on Palma. Total stopped work on the Afungi DUAT and did not resume operations up to date. Currently, Arkhê is the only security company still employed by Total Energies.
Exxon Mobil
The Exxon project represents the single biggest oil investment project in Africa. Although it has yet to kick off, Arkhê has successfully been providing security services at the Exxon Country Director’s house, housing complexes and offices since March 2019. The services include manned guarding, alarm monitoring, technical installations and maintenance and emergency response services.
SA Energie Afrique
SA Energie Afrique is a subsidiary of the French company SA Energie, and it operates in Mozambique’s energy sector. The company’s primary focus is on developing and operating energy projects in Africa, with emphasis on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. We have been rendering services to them in Matola since 2016 and the contract is ongoing.
SAMCOL Lda
Samcol manages three depots in Maputo, Beira and Nacala and Arkhê is their preferred security service provider.