Morrison Celebrates TOFCO Role in the Successful Construction of the Mento Platform

It was a proud moment for the teams of TOFCO, EOG Resources and bpTT as the Mento platform prepared to set sail following its successful completion. TOFCO, a joint venture of Chet Morrison Contractors, LLC and Weldfab Ltd. of Trinidad, successfully completed the construction of the Mento platform, its 11th major project delivered for major operators. 

The EOG Mento project is a joint venture between EOG Resources Trinidad Limited and BP Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT). This offshore development, located southeast of Trinidad, is a 12-slot, manned facility designed for natural gas extraction. It was constructed at the TOFCO fabrication yard in La Brea, Trinidad, with EOG serving as the operator. 

The project underscores the value of partnerships, with TOFCO playing a pivotal role in the platform’s fabrication. Over half the workforce came from La Brea and neighboring areas, highlighting the local economic benefits. Leaders from EOG, bpTT, and the Trinidadian government have praised the initiative for its contributions to the country’s energy future.

Prime Minister Dr. The Honourable Keith Rowley toured the Mento platform at the TOFCO fabrication yard on November 13. The platform is in the final stages of construction as it gets ready to sail away within the coming weeks. The jacket–or base–will be loaded onto a barge, while the topsides will be loaded out within the upcoming days. First, the jacket, followed by the topsides, will then sail to the east coast of Trinidad for installation at their final location, after which commissioning activities will commence. 

During a pre-loadout ceremony at the Labidco Industries Estate in LaBrea, Trinidad, key speakers addressed the significant achievements of the project. Mr. David Campbell, President of bpTT, acknowledged the significance the partnership brings for the people of Trinidad and Tobago and added, “I must also acknowledge the crucial role that TOFCO has played–and continues to play–in the development of the local energy sector. BpTT’s history with TOFCO includes six platforms as well as a jacket and landing frame–all built right here in this yard. Those platforms have been vital as we progress our strategy and I am glad that we’re continuing our relationship with TOFCO through our joint venture with EOG. Congratulations to Javed [Mohammed] and the entire TOFCO team as they continue to demonstrate that they are a world-class partner to the industry here.”

“Thank you to EOG and bpTT for allowing us this opportunity to showcase the local content talent that has transformed since our journey which commenced in 2004. We now look forward to our journey with Shell into 2025,” Javed Mohammed, General Manager of TOFCO. 

The Mento project represents a showcase of TOFCO’s capabilities as a premier fabrication yard in the region. The successful delivery of the Mento platform enhances TOFCO’s reputation as a strategic asset for Trinidad and Tobago’s energy industry, playing a pivotal role in meeting the region’s energy demands.

The first gas from the Mento platform is expected in 2025.

Other key articles from this project can be found here:

Prime Minister tours Mento platform at TOFCO (April 2024)

Prime Minister tours Mento platform (November 2024)

BP and EOG look forward to first gas as countdown for sail-away of new offshore platform begins (November 2024)