Can you introduce Tubostrans and outline the company’s services?

In 2012, Tubostrans began infrastructure and workshop facilities. In 2017, Tubostrans was introduced to the oil and gas market. The company participated in several tenders but we were overlooked due to not having sufficient experience.  In mid-2019, TotalEnergies saw our potential to provide filtration services on one well in a five-well project. We had a two-month timeframe to deliver, so it was quite challenging to mobilize equipment within that short period of time, but we gracefully accepted the challenge head-on as it was an opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities to not only the client but the overall market. Rightfully so, Tubostrans performed exceptionally well, and it was then we were awarded the complete five-well project.  We then won the tender for filtration services on their Block 17. 

We are a steadfast and innovative service provider to Angola's thriving oil and gas sector, with the mission of being a trusted partner in advancing the nation’s oil and gas endeavors.

Which of Tubostrans’ services are most in demand today? 

Of the numerous services that we are highly capable of providing, I would proudly say that our filtration and wellbore cleanup services are in high demand.   We have a big contract with TotalEnergies on Block 17 in this regard. We invest significantly in our fishing services and offer an extensive selection of tools specifically designed for the safe and effective removal of blockages from wellbores.  Not only are we able to provide the highest level of safety, but also downsize the abuse of non-productive time that could potentially cost high wages for companies. As part of our services, we perform 100% of the maintenance and repairs of our tools and equipment in-house, at our machine shop facilities in Viana and Talatona. 

What are the main challenges facing local service providers in Angola?  

Our biggest challenge as a local company is that, by law, we must receive payments in local currency. Contract payment terms can vary between 1-3 months, but the exchange rate stays fixed on what it was the day of invoicing. Unfortunately, currency fluctuations and devaluation can have a great impact on payments, making it difficult for local companies to operate and survive only on local currency. In Angola, materials and products need to be imported and paid for in foreign currency, but local banks take a significant time to transfer these payments, which then affects our ability to deliver high quality and timely services to our clients. 

In addition to the currency challenge, access to capital in order to grow your business is also a challenge in Angola. Interest rates on loans are extremely high, making it almost impossible to attain financing from the banks as we would then not be able to deliver our services at competitive prices. For small businesses such as Tubostrans, fostering strong partnerships is critical. We have a solid partnership with KAESO Energy Services to accelerate the introduction of wellbore cleaning services performed by 100% local companies. In my opinion, these partnerships will motivate companies to take advantage of KAESO’s and Tubostrans’ strong capabilities.    

Where does Tubostrans see the opportunity for growth outside of Angola?  

The industry is vastly growing and with my curiosity also expanding, I have come to find that Namibia is rapidly developing in the oil and gas sector.  Namibia is a virgin market, and the country is very open to foreign investors.  With much thought, in 2023, Tubostrans established an entity in Namibia and we are thrilled to grow in this region.

What are Tubostrans’ main priorities and growth strategy for 2024 and beyond? 

Tubostrans aims to remain a leading service provider to the Angolan oil and gas market. We will continue to deliver high-quality services at international standards. We will focus our growth on the Namibian region, whereafter we will also look to expand into other African countries.