Oil prospector banks on Bourbon
The French logistics enterprise Bourbon Marine & Logistics is supporting an exploratory oil project in Namibia with its extensive range of services.
It’s generally considered an unquestionable fact that there are some oil reserves off the coast of Namibia. The quantity of the black gold that may be found is open to debate, however, so oil producers have tended to shy away from cost-intensive large-scale production – so far. Now the French oil firm Total is launching a project to produce oil in southern Namibia, with the first exploratory drilling activities set for the first half of 2020.
The project naturally requires comprehensive logistics support, which will be provided by the French firm Bourbon Marine & Logistics. This is the second order from the sector for the Marseille-based corporation; in spring this year Bourbon supplied logistics services to Shell for a maritime oil production project off the Bulgarian coast in the Black Sea.
Local partner to support Bourbon
Bourbon will operate from the port town of Lüderitz, from where Total is set to launch it offshore activities. The service provider will be in charge of all logistics matters. The company will set up a logistics base and a tank cleaning station there, and will look after a depot, customs formalities and all transport needs. Bourbon will also organise the deployment of staff and materials. The services will be provided by Bourbon Logistics Namibia, in collaboration with local partner Logistics Support Services.
Grégoire Durand, Bourbon’s vice-president for oil and gas activities, believes the contract confirms the company’s potential for the sector. “We’re looking forward to being a part of this project. Integrated services represent a new way of working with our customers.” Total began its exploratory work to find oil in Namibia in August this year; it is expected to last until autumn 2020.
