Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) has officially approved a $2 billion investment in the Shell HI Field Nigeria offshore project, one of the largest deepwater developments in recent years. Endorsed by Nigeria’s Federal Government, this project underscores the country’s potential to expand its liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector while reinforcing Shell’s global Integrated Gas strategy.
Strategic Significance of Shell HI Field, Nigeria
Located roughly 50 kilometers offshore in 100 meters of water, the HI Field was discovered in 1985 and has estimated recoverable resources of around 285 million barrels of oil equivalent. The project is expected to supply 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, approximately 60 thousand barrels of oil equivalent, to Nigeria LNG (NLNG; Shell interest 25.6%). Production is scheduled to begin before the end of this decade.
The project includes:
- A wellhead platform with four wells
- A multiphase pipeline transporting gas to Bonny
- A gas processing plant feeding NLNG and the Bonny Oil and Gas Export Terminal
This development aligns with Shell’s global LNG growth ambitions, which aim for a 4-5% annual increase in LNG volumes until 2030. According to Vanguard Nigeria, such projects also reinforce Nigeria’s position in the global LNG market and contribute to national economic goals, including local employment and industrial capacity expansion.
Opportunities for Workforce and Offshore Services
The Shell HI Field Nigeria project is expected to generate extensive employment opportunities across offshore operations. Technical staffing, compliance monitoring, and health, safety, and environment (HSE) services will be in high demand. Companies entering the Nigerian offshore market will rely heavily on local expertise and service providers for operational success.
Kharis Petroleum Resources and Investments is positioned to support international operators with:
- Offshore workforce mobilization and Employer of Record (EOR) services
- Work permit and immigration facilitation for expatriates
- Payroll compliance and contractor management
- Equipment supply and logistics coordination
These services are vital for ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, smooth operational execution, and effective deployment of personnel in challenging offshore environments.
Economic and Infrastructure Impact
The HI Field project is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure, expand fabrication yards, and enhance subsea operations capacity. The initiative will contribute to national economic development by creating skilled jobs and reinforcing local content in offshore projects. Analysts note that projects like this attract further foreign direct investment (FDI), which helps stabilize Nigeria’s energy sector.
According to NNPC Limited, such deepwater developments align with Nigeria’s target of reaching 2 million barrels per day crude oil output by 2027, highlighting the strategic importance of offshore exploration for national energy security and export potential.
About Kharis Petroleum Resources and Investments
Kharis Petroleum Resources and Investments is a global Employer of Record (EOR) and offshore support services provider in Nigeria, helping organizations expand across Africa, the UAE, the Netherlands, the UK, Canada. With expertise in workforce management, compliance, and immigration support, Kharis Petroleum enables international operators to hire efficiently, operate safely, and comply with local regulations.
Key Solutions:
- Offshore Workforce & EOR Services – Manages the deployment of technical and non-technical personnel offshore, enabling international operators to hire quickly and compliantly without establishing a local legal entity.
- Work Permit & Immigration Support – Facilitates timely work permits and visa approvals for expatriates, ensuring full compliance with Nigerian immigration regulations and smooth offshore staffing.
- Payroll & Contractor Management – Provides accurate, transparent payroll solutions and contractor administration, ensuring regulatory compliance for both local and international staff.
- Equipment & Offshore Logistics – Coordinates transport, supply of equipment, and on-site provisioning, ensuring personnel and resources are delivered safely and on schedule.
- Regulatory & HSE Compliance – Supports monitoring, audits, and training programs to maintain strict adherence to Shell’s operational standards and Nigeria’s Health, Safety, and Environment regulations.
- Local Content & Capacity Building – Integrates Nigerian talent into offshore operations, helping international companies meet local content requirements while developing skills and transferring knowledge to the domestic workforce.
