Basic HTML Version
“We’re not a monopoly, but an enabler,
to unlock opportunities for other
businesses in Lagos. For example, for
the FPSO, while not all the construction
is here and the hull will arrive from
Korea late 2016, we’ll barge in other
parts to assemble and integrate
here by 2017.” It’s a test case to
demonstrate capability.
Major project
Bryan Pritchard, one of a strong team
of experienced expats at LADOL, is
the lead Construction Manager. Here
since February, he has a hands-on
approach. For the London Olympics,
another derelict site built from
scratch, he managed contracts and
construction, but with an unchangeable
deadline. “The challenge here is
getting everyone to understand the
processes necessary,” he informed
me. “This is pure construction, without
relying on others. It’s rewarding in that
I’m handling the whole construction
project, including legal and practical
issues.”
From swampland to a major
infrastructure hub is a huge leap and
a big team is required. Priorities must
be identified in order to focus on what
needs to be done quickly. For example,
the stunning new passenger ferry
terminal, which will handle up to 1000
per hour, is out to tender, followed
by the new LADOL HQ on the base.
Pritchard will oversee 250,000m
3
of
dredged sand fill and level all the land
in phase 1 of the development alone.
Shore protection is another big priority
on the island as tidal erosion is strong.
A road network is being constructed
too. Primarily Nigerian contractors and
labour are being utilised.
“Execute the master plan,” he
continued, “and then we can sell ‘off-
plan’ and resolve the logistics of how
customers move in. We have to be very
specific in what we want, especially in
the quayside extensions. Lots of clients
will want to be situated there. Good
communication is crucial, including
within our team. Understand exactly
what the client wants. It’s the triangle:
quality: price: time. You can adjust one
but it affects the others.”
Safe hands
Laurent Diardiere is the SHEQ (Safety,
Health, Environment & Quality)
Manager for LADOL. “One of the
key messages, for me, is the way
health and safety has progressed in
Nigeria, despite what people used
to think. There’s a real emphasis on
it now. There’s a long way to go, but
when you see the work being done
it’s encouraging. For major projects
you need to comply with the highest
standards.” There have been no major
injuries so far.
Formerly with Total, Diardiere has
been visiting and working in the
country since 1997, so he knows what
has changed. “Workers are more
aware. It takes time to change the
culture to be safety conscious, just as
it did elsewhere. It’s a never-ending
journey. There is great demand for
training and staff are eager to learn
life skills.” Teach, understand, police
is the mantra. He has 8 staff and his
role will expand. “We need to beef it
up to the level of petroleum industry
documentation standards.” All PPE
equipment (helmets, boots, goggles,
gloves) are provided by LADOL if the
client does not bring their own. Drills
and technical, certified safety training
is carried out, including for scaffolding,
lifting, first aid, fire-fighting and ferry
safety.
A ringing endorsement came from
the German consulate delegation that
visited while I was on site. They were
impressed and persuaded that the
set-up is right and the infrastructure
is being provided. I expect they will
recommend the project to German
manufacturers to invest in. “Unlike
other locations, everything is ready
here. It’s clear and ambitious,” a
delegate told me.
“We’ll make LADOL
a one-stop-shop, so
there’ll be no need to
go to the city,”
10
Logistics Business Magazine | November 2015
Regional Profile