Strategic growth at Angola’s Kwanda Base

Angola

Manuel Graças de Deus, general manager of Kwanda – Suporte Logístico, talks to The Energy Year about how the company’s operations have evolved at the Kwanda Base. Kwanda – Suporte Logístico provides logistical support for Angolan onshore and offshore oil activity through its infrastructure at the Kwanda Base, located in Soyo.

How have operations evolved recently at the Kwanda Base?
At the Kwanda Base, we are still focused on improving our operations and trying to provide better service to our current clients, and we have experienced an increase in the demand for our services.
We operate the Port of Soyo, and we have had to hire new employees and focus more on our port operations. We have a total of 660 employees and 140 contractors. Half of the current contractors have been brought in over the past year to support our operations.
Regarding our clients, our portfolio continues to be composed of mainly IOCs, local operators and oilfield service providers. We service most of the companies operating out of the Soyo area, and when there is an increase in drilling rigs and support services, this means we experience an increase in demand for our services.
We’ve seen an increase in the use of our infrastructure, especially because of the New Gas Consortium project. The current level of activity has resulted in us maintaining our revenues at an acceptable level.

To what extent can you accommodate new companies at the Kwanda Base?
We still have space for those who want to come in and work with us. We are especially able to cater to smaller operators and service companies who are looking to establish their presence here. We’re seeing an increased search for space, including yards, warehouses and offices, from companies operating all across the energy value chain. We are catering to those needs.
At the end of the day, an operator is an operator, whether they are large or small. The magnitude may vary, but the types of services they need for drilling are virtually the same. We are set up for that. We have the expertise and the operational capacity.

How are you supporting the New Gas Consortium project in the Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields?
Since the inception of the project, we have been working with the New Gas Consortium in the provision of services. We are very well positioned to continue to provide the services they need. We also support the companies that are providing them with construction services. We provide accommodation, port services and anything else they need.

How has the Soyo power plant affected your operations?
I’m happy to report that, since February 2024, the Kwanda Base has been connected to the Soyo power plant. Since then, we stopped burning almost 16,000 litres of diesel per day. That is significant from an environmental standpoint. Moreover, from a financial standpoint, I can tell you we saved a lot. Hopefully we will continue to move forwards, seeing how we can reduce our carbon footprint with other innovations in the future.

What is your assessment of the future opportunities for the Kwanda Base?
All major projects happening in Soyo will eventually impact our operations. Directly or indirectly, we’re going to get involved. Major projects such as the Soyo Refinery and the fertiliser plant will need the Port of Soyo, as they will need to bring in equipment and materials. We operate the port, and we have the space and services they need.
Kwanda is strategically located to support not only the oil and gas industry but other industrial and infrastructure projects. We look forward to continuing to contribute to the industrialisation of the area and to supporting the increased business in the area, not only for the benefit of Soyo and the Zaire province but for the whole nation.

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