High-tech services aiding Angolan extractive industries

April 10, 2025

Anderson Fernandes, managing director of Engigest, talks to The Energy Year about the company’s latest achievements, its 3D laser scanning and modelling technology and how the technology can benefit the oil and gas, refining and mining sectors. Engigest provides EPC technology, IT data management and supply chain management solutions.

What have been the biggest achievements for the company this year?
For Engigest, 2025 will be a year of huge milestones. We have now been in the market for 10 years, and we feel that we are more mature as a company, with an increasing focus on our operations. We focus on safety, efficiency, quality, deliverables and investing in new technologies and in our people. This is how we became who we are today.
Regarding downstream and infrastructure projects, there’s a lot going on at the Cabinda Refinery, where we are working as a partner.
We are also investing in the nearby Malembo area, where we are building a knowledge hub for innovation and a logistics base to support activities in Cabinda, such as refining and petrochemicals, the automotive industry, data management, information technology and oil and gas operations. Moreover, we provide lubricants, procurement services and warehouse operations management services to onshore operator Acrep.
In terms of our capabilities, we have improved our warehouse operations management. We are also proud to say that we have developed and enhanced our engineering skills and operational capabilities.
Then, we are one of the pioneers in laser scanning and 3D modelling in Angola, which we are doing as a 100% Angolan local company with proven contracts and positive feedback from major clients. We also became a top-tier, leading partner thanks to our strategic collaborations with global industry leaders.
In March 2025, we signed a partnership agreement with L&T Technology Services, a global engineering and technology company, which will undoubtedly boost our capabilities, allowing us to deliver even better services.

What can you tell us about Engigest’s 3D laser scanning technology?
At Engigest, we work towards advancing local content development and implementing cutting-edge technology in the oil and gas industry. We are working with Leica Total Stations for surveying and using the FARO Premium laser scanner and our newly acquired tablets (Explosion Proof ATEX Zone 2 Intrinsically Safe iPad Mini 4s), which seamlessly synchronise with the scanner. This allows us to improve efficiency in our operations.
3D laser scanning and modelling represents the future of engineering, and digitalisation is the future of the industry, enabling enhanced accuracy, improved asset management, reduced downtime and cost-effective maintenance for our clients’ onshore and offshore infrastructure.
When I say we are focused on technology, this is what we do: We invest in equipment. We are 100% Angolan, and we are proud to say that we are pioneers that invest in and have the equipment here in Angola.
Chevron is our main client using this technology in Angola. We do laser scanning for their offshore infrastructure. We are also looking forward to providing the same services for Azule Energy.
For specific scopes like tank inspections, we use drones combined with ultrasonic thickness measurements.

 

What are some of the advantages of adopting 3D laser scanning technology?
Firstly, the technology helps operators reduce costs since it is a cost-effective technology. It can help when operators do turnaround and maintenance because they do not have to bring engineers from overseas to inspect infrastructure. Secondly, it also reduces our clients’ carbon footprint since it is more sustainable compared to other methods for assessing assets.

How can your technology help mining companies optimise operations?
Engigest has the capabilities to assist mining companies. Depending on the project scope, we can provide qualified manpower as well as asset and project management. For EPC, we deliver turnkey projects. We are focused on delivering quality, and our expertise in engineering, procurement and construction technology puts us in a privileged place to support several sectors.
In fact, we have been contacted by mining companies to do some surveys using our 3D laser scanning technology. We have been contacted by mining companies in particular because the rare minerals in Angola are gaining more attention. We know that the sector is set to gain new momentum, and we want to be the ones supporting its development.

Do you see emerging opportunities for Engigest in Namibia?
We want to be an essential partner of choice for energy companies in Africa. We are looking at Namibia as an opportunity to expand our footprint in the region. One of our objectives is to set up partnerships in the country and explore what we can do in terms of engineering services, technology and digitalisation.
We are interested in some of the greenfield projects in Namibia, and we’re exploring ways in which we can use our knowledge and know-how to support oil and gas development. The oil and gas market in Angola has existed for over 70 years. It is a mature market. The operators in Namibia can learn from our experience here.

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