French oil major TotalEnergies is ramping up preparations for a series of offshore projects in Nigeria, with the company reportedly reaching out to the market for 16 support vessels ahead of major field activities expected to begin next year.
Industry sources say the energy giant has issued multiple tenders and expressions of interest covering both deepwater and shallow-water operations, marking one of its largest vessel inquiries in recent years within the Nigerian market.
The large-scale request comes as operators across West Africa compete for a limited pool of offshore support vessels (OSVs). TotalEnergies’ early push is seen as a proactive step to secure logistics capacity before charter rates climb further. According to people familiar with the matter, the company’s enquiries include vessels such as platform supply ships, anchor handlers, standby units, and multipurpose support vessels — all essential for drilling and production campaigns in the region.
TotalEnergies remains one of Nigeria’s leading international oil and gas players, with major stakes in deepwater fields like Egina, Akpo, and Ofon. The company’s latest procurement drive reinforces its commitment to maintaining long-term operations in the country, even as the sector faces cost and regulatory challenges. Energy analysts note that the move signals confidence in the Nigerian offshore industry’s recovery, coming amid renewed efforts by the federal government to attract investment and streamline local content participation.
The extensive vessel sourcing could provide a welcome boost for Nigeria’s marine logistics sector, offering new business prospects for local shipowners, crew suppliers, and support service firms. If local content requirements are emphasized in the tender process, domestic companies could benefit significantly through joint ventures or charter partnerships.
TotalEnergies’ procurement activity is also expected to send ripples through the West African offshore market, where demand for marine assets is tightening. Competitors may soon follow suit, seeking to lock in vessels ahead of upcoming drilling programs in Nigeria, Angola, and Ghana.
With global vessel availability shrinking and charter costs rising, TotalEnergies’ early action could help the company avoid project delays and price surges when operations ramp up in 2026.
