Aberdeen energy service giant Wood Group announced its first contract for a new joint-venture in Angola today.
Wood Group Kianda (WGK) won a “multi-year” deal with oil giant BP for maintenance of topsides facilities on a floating production vessel off Angola, the company added.
The contract is believed to be worth tens of millions of pounds.
WGK was formed through a partnership with Angolan businessman Amilcar Nascimento, 37, son of the former head of Angola’s transitional government when it gained independence in the 1970s, said Wood Group.
Mr Nascimento, who owns a supply business and an electrical firm, has invested his own cash in the new business and will be a 50% shareholder, the firm added.
Sister Wood Group companies, Wood Group Mustang, Wood Group Kenny and Wood Group PSN will provide their services through the joint-venture.
WGK already employs 10 people and that is expected to “grow significantly”, Wood Group said.
Ken McLennan, general manager for WGK, said: “Wood Group has been working in the Angolan market for more than 10 years through various means, so it’s great to now launch Wood Group Kianda, a majority-owned Angolan company.
“This reinforces our presence and long-term commitment to Angola. The contract award from BP also further extends Wood Group’s global relationship with BP.”
It is understood the floating production vessel will be used on BP’s Plutao, Saturno, Venus and Marte oilfields off Angola.
WGK was officially launched at the British Embassy in Luanda, Angola, last night.
The event was attended by Wood Group chairman Sir Ian Wood and hosted by WGK and Richard Wildash, the British Ambassador for Angola.