Ensuring uninterrupted gas supply to customers over an 865 km pipeline that runs through two countries is no mean feat. This is the responsibility of Technical Manager Luis Gudo, who oversees an expansive preventative maintenance programme for the Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Investments Company (ROMPCO).
Such has been the success of ROMPCO’s preventative maintenance strategy that it has significantly reduced its overall breakdown percentage, reveals Gudo. “Our team follows what is happening in the market and keeps up to date with the latest technology.”
ROMPCO conducts a variety of preventative maintenance activities to ensure the safety and efficiency of its Mozambique-Secunda Pipeline (MSP). This includes regular inspections, monitoring, and maintenance of the pipeline and associated infrastructure. The Komatipoort Compressor Station plays a crucial role to maintain the necessary pressure for the gas transported through the pipeline, ensuring consistent supply and operational efficiency.
Regular visual, technical and statutory inspections are carried out along the pipeline to detect and address any potential issues before they escalate. ROMPCO employs advanced integrity management programmes that use technology to monitor the pipeline’s condition continuously, allowing for early detection of any anomalies.
Cathodic protection prevents corrosion in the pipeline, which is critical to ensure its longevity and safety. In terms of emergency response preparedness, ROMPCO has a robust emergency response plan in place to handle any incidents quickly and effectively, minimising potential impacts on the environment and local communities.
“These measures are part of our commitment to safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible gas transportation, contributing to the economic growth and energy security of both Mozambique and South Africa,” comments Gudo.
Future security of supply is also of major concern to ROMPCO. The Pande and Temane gasfields operated by Sasol in Mozambique have an anticipated 25-year lifespan. Production commenced in 2004, making Pande the first gas production field in Mozambique, followed by Temane in 2009.
However, gas supply from these fields is expected to decline from 2026, with Sasol anticipated to cease supplying gas to third parties by the end of June 2026 due to depleting gas reserves. Other gas discoveries in Mozambique are still in early stages of development and not viable alternatives at present.
The Matola LNG storage facility in Mozambique, a major infrastructure project still in the financial viability stage, has the potential to guarantee uninterrupted natural gas supply to over 30 industries in the Matola area and facilitate exports to other countries in the Southern African Development Community region.
It will utilise the existing ROMPCO gas pipeline network to meet growing demand for natural gas in Southern Africa. The project will comprise a permanent floating storage regasification unit (FSRU), onshore infrastructure, and a new gas pipeline. An onshore LNG Truck Loading Facility (TLF) will provide gas supply to outlying areas, even those not near existing natural gas infrastructure
In addition, adopting advanced recovery technologies such as Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) in Pande and Temane could extend their productive life. Integrating renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power can also supplement gas supplies and reduce overall demand, balancing the energy mix and ensuring a steady energy supply even as gas reserves diminish.
Gudo adds that a major focus at present is upgrading existing infrastructure and expanding pipeline capacity to improve the efficiency and reliability of gas transportation. “This ensures that gas from alternative sources can be integrated seamlessly into the existing supply network,” he explains.
Developing additional gas storage facilities can assist to manage supply fluctuations and provide a buffer against potential disruptions. Gudo adds that ROMPCO is also looking at latest trends like digitisation and automation to obtain real-time data to assist with long-term maintenance planning.
“One of our main goals is to provide an uninterrupted gas supply to our customers, which is a massive undertaking. On the other hand, we have increasing demand, which we need to respond to and manage. This is because gas is a viable alternative energy source for South African industry in particular to cut costs and meet its ESG goals,” concludes Gudo.
