In May 2006, Muir Matheson secured a contract with Shell to provide a system detailing real time met ocean data throughout its Nigeria operations. We talked to David Hay, Nigernet Project Manager, to find out more about the system - “Nigernet”:

1) What type of information does Nigernet provide?
The system provides meteorological data, wind speed and direction, air temperature, humidity, visibility and cloud height.

2) What are the benefits to Shell of Nigernet?
The benefits are far reaching. For example, real time data allows air traffic control to warn of local squalls, thereby planning flights is significantly easier. In addition, historical data can be used in the design of platforms and FPSO’s suitable for the African climate.

3) Were there any specific challenges that you had to overcome?
The Nigeria project is very challenging as the wheels move a little more slowly in this part of the world. The biggest challenge is covering all the bases in Nigeria – due to civil unrest, I cannot visit the southern states, sowe cover the bases remotely which is a challenge but given the high standard of Nigerian engineers’ we are overcoming this obstacle. The climate can also be testing as the heat and humidity, not to mention the sheer volume of rainfall can have an adverse effect on equipment.

4) Future plans for Nigernet – how will it be developed?
The system is being expanded to include flow stations in the Delta region of Nigeria to monitor tidal flow and the behaviour of the region’s many rivers. This will aid oil companies in the event of an oil spill. The benefits of this are beginning to manifest with key players in Africa and I believe the system will eventually go Pan African.

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