Mozambique’s end-to-end project managers

September 20, 2024

Hugo Petetin, country manager for Friedlander in Mozambique, talks to The Energy Year about the company’s emphasis on rigorous project management and building a presence in Mozambique’s downstream segment. Part of the Ortec Group, Friedlander is a provider of engineering, construction and maintenance services for the oil and gas, mining and industrial sectors.

How does Friedlander stand out among Mozambique’s EPC companies?
At Friedlander, we differentiate ourselves by handling everything in-house, from initial planning to final commissioning. Our engineering and procurement teams ensure that quality standards are maintained throughout the process.
In Mozambique, we’re placing a strong emphasis on hiring and training local talent, which reduces our reliance on subcontractors. In 2024 we organised a two-month training session in Beira for welders, pipefitters and drawers. We brought in experienced instructors from our other agencies in Africa to develop our Mozambican staff.
Rigorous project management is of paramount importance to us and we like to maintain control over planning, staffing and all HSE considerations. The more elements we handle ourselves, the better we can ensure adherence to our protocols and carry out quality work for our clients.
This is especially true in Mozambique, which is a relatively new market for us. In this context, we have invested to expand our offerings and now have equipment for scaffolding, painting and blasting, which allows us to better cover the requirements of the projects we typically carry out.
We apply the same philosophy across our African operations. Procurement is centralised in South Africa, where there is a good availability of supplies. Proximity to Mozambique also makes it very simple to ship equipment by road freight but Intertek regulation has slowed down the process lately, especially for imports in Mozambique.

What solutions can Friedlander offer to the oil and gas sector in Mozambique?
We are one of the leaders in industrial services across Africa and we’ve supported companies in the oil and gas, storage, mining and various other industries. Our expertise spans engineering, construction and maintenance solutions.
We have experience in structural steel fabrication for critical oil and gas equipment, including subsea trees, manifolds and umbilicals. Our experience in onshore and offshore exploration activities allows us to deliver a comprehensive suite of services, from feasibility studies to project management and final commissioning.

 

What is Friedlander’s strategy to grow its business in Mozambique?
Initially, we targeted Mozambique’s upstream segment, but we secured a major downstream contract and we are now developing our activity around that. Our contract involves refurbishing and maintaining their fuel depots in Matola and Beira. We are using it to showcase our capabilities and establish ourselves in the market.
Friedlander is well known in West Africa, but here in Mozambique, it is primarily just TotalEnergies and the E&P segment who are aware of our reputation. This contract allows us to demonstrate our skills and build from there.
Most of the projects in Maputo do not require big facilities and we are focusing on securing contracts directly at client sites. We want to remain flexible and mobilise our equipment quickly and efficiently to different locations. It limits our fabrication capabilities but our mobility places us at an advantage over other companies.

What does the EPC market need in Mozambique?
Multinational corporations must prioritise collaborating with established Mozambican companies by granting them direct contracts and not via their designated EPC contractors. Instead of solely relying on their international teams, EPC companies should actively seek partnerships with local businesses.
Focusing on local content development brings several advantages. Mozambique benefits from increased economic activity, job creation and knowledge transfer, while multinational corporations can streamline their operations by collaborating with local companies that are familiar with the Mozambican business landscape and regulations.

How do you assess the potential for renewable energies in Mozambique and how is Friedlander positioned to operate in that market?
There is potential for growth in Mozambique’s renewable energy sector, particularly solar. We have a solar department in Côte d’Ivoire that participates in tenders across Africa. We have capabilities in that area but primarily for projects of a limited size. Many of the solar projects that are up and happening in Mozambique are quite big.
The government’s USD 80-million commitment to energy transition is encouraging. However, clarity is still lacking around project specifics such as technology, funding and timelines. We know Mozambique has huge potential and we are certain there will be opportunities for us. Many other companies are also looking at the country very closely, but what all of us subcontractors need today is quick decision making. Despite the uncertainties, we’re confident that opportunities will emerge.

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