Transfer of knowledge and expertise on organisational development is the main purpose of a new collaboration deal concluded in Angola
Running for two years from this month, the agreement has been signed by Statoil, BP and Angolan state oil company Sonangol.
It involves the equivalent of a year's work for several Statoil employees and can be renewed, reports Jon Bakken, head of the group's commitment in the south-west African country.
The deal covers such aspects as training, expertise enhancement, organisational development and business planning. Know-how will be built up through courses and seminars as well as the posting of Statoil and BP personnel to Sonangol and vice versa.
The Angolan company has a substantial need for expertise transfer in order to tackle the many future assignments it faces, reports Mr Bakken.
Angola is becoming one of the world's most attractive petroleum regions in the world, with major discoveries made recently on its continental shelf. The country already produces some 750 000 barrels of oil per day.
Statoil has interests in two blocks off Angola, and its commitment there will continue at full pitch next year.
"A substantial number of exploration and appraisal wells are due to be drilled on this acreage during 1999," says Mr Bakken.