BGP-BAY PARTNERSHIP.
In 2017 BGP Geophysical Services entered into a joint venture partnership with Bay Veritas in compliance with the Petroleum local content laws. This partnership led to the formation of the joint venture company under the name BGP-Bay.
The JV partnership (BGP-BAY) won the first international onshore seismic tender from Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) which is to be executed in four phases in the Voltaian Basin. The 2D onshore Voltaian Basin seismic data acquisition project in Ghana is aimed at mapping out subsurface geological formations to identify potential hydrocarbon reserves.
The project covers a total area of 103,000 square kilometers out of which 6,036 square kilometers has been successfully completed since the project started in 2017. The main activity involves the deployment of seismic lines over varied terrains in 9 regions of Ghana. The operation covers data collection, processing and interpretation of the data to further facilitate exploration activities.
The primary objective of the project is to acquire high-quality 2D seismic data for the interpretation of subsurface structures by deploying international operating standards and strictly adhering to high health and safety standards. Our secondary objective is to ensure minimal environmental impact and to engage the local communities we operate in and solicit their full support and co-operation. We aim to address any concerns the communities may have.
We have successfully completed four (4) phases of the 2D onshore seismic data acquisition within the scheduled time frame and budget. BGP-Bay also won a 4D offshore seismic project from Tullow Ghana in 2019. This was also completed on time.
BGP- BAY is the only geophysical exploration services company currently operating onshore in Ghana. Through this partnership, BGP aims at developing its local partner Bay Veritas into an independent company in the onshore upstream business as required by the petroleum local content laws.
BRIEF PROFILE OF BGP GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES .
BGP Geophysical Services is a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) the world’s 3rd largest oil company based in China and plays a leading role in China’s petroleum industry. CNPC integrates the business portfolios of both an oil company and an oilfield service provider, with operations covering the entire oil and gas industry value chain. Having oil and gas assets and interests in over 30 countries, CNPC plays a greater role in the global petroleum circle.
Businesses of CNPC includes:
- Exploration & Production
- Natural Gas Sales
- Refining and chemicals
- Marketing and new materials
- Oilfield services
- Engineering and construction
- Petroleum equipment manufacturing
- New energies
- Capital and finance.
In Africa, BGP currently operates in eight (8) countries namely: Algeria, Sudan, Gabon, Angola, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Ghana.
THE ROLE OF BAY IN THE JOINT VENTURE
RECRUITMENT
Bay Veritas in affiliation with BGP over the years has positioned itself to render onshore and offshore upstream support services such as HR and crew management services.
On the Voltaian Basin project, Bay Veritas Ltd, recruited over one thousand (1000) enthusiastic youth from all sixteen regions of Ghana with special consideration to workers from the local communities where we operate with no skills in onshore seismic operations.
It is our objective as a company to equip many youth with skills and competences to execute future projects.
TRAINING, DEVELOPMENT, TECHNOLOGY AND SKILL TRANSFER
Prior to the inception of the onshore seismic project executed by BGP-BAY, Ghana could not boast of a workforce equipped with the knowledge, skill and competences to undertake onshore seismic prospecting projects. After four phases of seismic prospecting, BAY Veritas has a pool of more than one thousand Ghanaians trained in various skills, knowledge and know how in various aspects of onshore seismic prospecting, namely: quality control (QC), processing and interpretation, survey, recording, vibration, line clearance, journey management, party management etc.
The acquisition of these skills has been immensely improved by the institution of the star performer policy. This policy selects and rewards excellent and high performing Ghanaian workers and this has motivated them and greatly improved their initiative taking and innovative capability. This policy has also in a long way helped sustain competent individuals on the project from the 1st phase all the way to the 4th phase.
For each department, there are at least two Ghanaian assistants working under the guidance of a Chinese supervisor through which adequate skills and knowledge has been transferred to the locals. This has aided in building the capacity and competences of these Ghanaians to take over future seismic projects. Our recruitment process strictly follows Petroleum Commissions guidelines on skills transfer giving opportunity to all Ghanaians from all regions of the country.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PROJECTS
In consultation with the Petroleum Commission Bay Veritas has undertaken numerous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in the operational areas, demonstrating a strong commitment to community development and support. These projects encompass a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving local infrastructure, education, healthcare, and overall well-being of the communities. The key projects include:
Infrastructure Development
- Borehole Projects:
In the Western Region, we Constructed boreholes to address water scarcity and improve access to potable water for the Axim and Lower Dixcove Communities.
- Educational Support
Provision of Textbooks and Stationery
Axim Primary School- Donation of essential textbooks and stationery to support students’ learning.
- Lower Dixcove JHS: Supply of educational materials to enhance the learning environment.
- St. Roses SHS: Contribution of academic resources to aid in students’ studies.
- School Uniforms:
- Pong Tamale M/A Primary School: Distribution of uniforms to students, ensuring they are properly attired for school and boosting their morale.
- Sports Equipment and Learning Materials:
- Beposo M/A Basic School, Prang D/A Primary School, Abua D/A Primary School, Bolga Nkwanta Basic School, Nyomase M/A Primary School, New Konkompe JHS, Premuase Presbyterian KG & Primary School, Lemu SDA Primary School, Kwame Danso Presbyterian JHS, Drobe R/C JHS, Bassa Presbyterian School, Kasasi St. Mary R/C Primary**: Provision of books, stationery, footballs, and jerseys to encourage physical activity and support educational activities.
Healthcare Initiatives
- Medical Supplies:
- Atebubu Government Hospital: Donation of critical medical supplies to improve healthcare services and patient care.
- Support for Health Facilities:
- Nyomase CHIP Compound: Supply of an ambulance battery and car tyres to ensure the availability and functionality of emergency response vehicles.
- Community Building
- Pong Tamale Roman Catholic Church: Renovation of the church building to provide a safe and comfortable place for worship and community gatherings.
Each of these projects reflects Bay’s dedication to fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life in the communities where it operates. By addressing fundamental needs in water, education, healthcare, and community infrastructure, Bay’s CSR initiatives are making a significant and positive impact on the lives of local residents.