DNV sets standards for Angola

March 24, 2004
Large discoveries off Angola have created the need for standards and classification services, says Jean-Pierre Marongiu, general manager of DNV Angola. DNV Angola was established a year ago to answer that need.

Large discoveries off Angola have created the need for standards and classification services, says Jean-Pierre Marongiu, general manager of DNV Angola. DNV Angola was established a year ago to answer that need.

"DNV, so far, is the only certification body in Luanda, said Marongiu, who spoke at a press conference held in Luanda March 24.

There are 35 employees in DNV´s Luanda office, and plans are in place to increase the staff by 10 by year-end. DNV´s hope is to employ 110 by 2006, Marongiu said. Most of that number will be made up of Angolans. "Our challenge is to find and train local talent," he said.

DNV has reached some significant milestones in its first year of operation, securing 45% of the potential market for oil and gas equipment verification. According to Marongiu, DNV is also working on HSE issues with all of the oil companies operating in Angola. The company has prepared an environmental impact assessment for exploratory drilling and is involved in a joint venture training center that now offers 35 courses certified by DNV.

DNV is planning to work throughout West Africa from its base in Luanda, serving Gabon, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d´Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Nigeria.

"We plan to perform inspections throughout West Africa, with DNV Angola operating as a hub," Marongiu said.

03-24-04