Baker Hughes expands Namibian presence with liquid mud plant

Baker Hughes (BKR) announced Thursday the opening of its new liquid mud plant, cement bulk facility and integrated multi-modal facility to support Namibia’s burgeoning energy industry and increase localization opportunities. The facilities, including Namibia’s largest liquid mud plant in terms of volume and capacity, will serve as a key infrastructure necessary to supply drilling and completions fluids and cement bulk handling critical to serve offshore oil and gas operations. The integrated multi-modal facility will also house advanced testing and maintenance equipment to support a variety of subsea operations. The Walvis Bay facilities represent a substantial investment in the country from Baker Hughes. The liquid mud plant has the capacity to hold 15,000 barrels of drilling and completion fluids, allowing Baker Hughes to cater to the unique needs of each customer. The facilities are located at Namibia’s Walvis Bay Port, providing a consistent, local source of materials close to the country’s offshore fields that enhance efficiencies for customers. The facilities employ local workers who have received advanced training in oil and gas operations from Baker Hughes. The company has also provided training to personnel from the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia and the country’s Ministry of Mines and Energy to help strengthen the nation’s pipeline of skilled workers.