BY UBONG NELSON

With a vision to create value in the Nigerian oil & gas industry, especially, in fabrication and construction of off-shore structures, FPSOs, platforms, etc., Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria Limited is continuing the entrenched policy of its parent company, Samsung Heavy Industries, who, since 1974, have committed to bringing innovation to ship building, off-shore facilities like fixed off-shore platforms, FPSO, floating off-shore structures, etc.

Most notably, Samsung Heavy Industries has achieved unbeatable leadership in the high-tech, high-value ship building sector, by maintaining the world’s No.1 share in the drill ship, ultra-large container ship, LNG carrier and FPSO markets.

The partnership with the Nigerian economy began in 2002, when Samsung delivered Nigeria’s first FPSO, BONGA, to Shell Petroleum & Development Company (SPDC). Since then, it has established a presence in Nigeria, having participated in FPSO projects.

Long term projections
Because of its commitment to add value to the indigenous economy, Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria Limited plans to:

* Build a training centre in Nigeria, to improve the manpower needs in the energy sector, and train Nigerians in various aspects of ship building and repair.

* It is also poised to build a mega-fabrication yard in Nigeria, to support FPSO projects, fabrication and repair of structures.

Samsung’s sincerity in building human capacity in Nigeria, was demonstrated, when in 2011, the company selected, sponsored, and trained 20 Nigerians at their world-class ship yard in Geoje, South Korea, in several aspects of ship building. The company hopes that, its long-term investments/involvement in Nigeria will help in providing employment for approximately 2000 Nigerian youths.