Nigeria’s offshore oil and gas sector has recorded a major technological breakthrough as Kenyon International successfully completed the country’s first deployment of FlexSteel Unbonded flexible pipeline technology, significantly reducing project delivery timelines and boosting production efficiency.
The landmark project, executed at the ANTAN/ADANGA OML 123 Concession operated by NNPC Antan Producing Limited, is being hailed as a major milestone for indigenous engineering capacity and offshore infrastructure innovation in Nigeria.
The project involved the installation of an 8-kilometre pipeline network — comprising 4km gas and 4km oil pipelines — linking the ADRP1 and ADNH offshore platforms. The development is expected to restore critical production capacity and contribute to Nigeria’s daily crude oil output.
Kenyon International said the deployment represents a significant shift in offshore asset rehabilitation, with the entire pipeline system planned, mobilised, and commissioned within record time.
Unlike conventional offshore pipeline projects that can take between two and three years due to complex marine logistics and welding operations, the company achieved an estimated 80 percent reduction in project timelines using the FlexSteel system.
The FlexSteel technology is designed to withstand harsh offshore conditions through its corrosion-resistant composite structure, reducing degradation, maintenance costs, and environmental risks commonly associated with traditional steel pipelines.
Its longer continuous pipe lengths also reduce the number of connections and potential leak points, while the smooth internal bore improves flow efficiency and integrated insulation properties minimise thermal losses.
Speaking on the achievement, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Kenyon International, Victor Ekpenyong, described the project as a defining moment for indigenous participation in the global energy industry.
“We have moved beyond the conversation of participation to a position of leadership,” Ekpenyong said.
He added that the project demonstrated Nigeria’s ability to deploy advanced offshore solutions faster and more cost-effectively through a combination of local expertise and modern technology.
According to him, the project provided NNPC Antan Producing Limited with “a fast-track to revenue” while showcasing the growing capability of indigenous firms to drive innovation in Africa’s offshore energy space.
The project was executed in partnership with FlexSteel LLC, the Houston-based manufacturer known for its composite pipeline systems used across major oil and gas operations in the United States and Brazil.
Kenyon International handled engineering execution, logistics coordination, and installation operations for the Nigerian deployment, further reinforcing the role of local companies in advancing offshore energy infrastructure.
Industry stakeholders say the successful commissioning of the ADRP1–ADNH flowlines could reshape offshore asset management strategies across West Africa, particularly as operators seek faster and more cost-effective alternatives to traditional multi-year construction projects.
The breakthrough also aligns with Nigeria’s broader push to increase crude oil production and modernise ageing energy infrastructure through innovation and local capacity development.
