Expro's iTONG™ in Africa: Revolutionizing Offshore Energy Efficiency Through Tech and ESG Leadership

Africa's offshore energy sector is at a crossroads. Rapidly growing demand for oil and gas, alongside emerging opportunities in renewable energy and carbon capture, has positioned the continent as a critical player in the global energy transition. However, traditional offshore drilling methods—slow, labor-intensive, and fraught with safety risks—have long hindered progress. Enter Expro's iTONG™, an AI-driven autonomous connection system that is not only disrupting the status quo but also unlocking unprecedented cost savings and ESG compliance in one of the world's most dynamic energy markets.

The iTONG™ Advantage: Where Tech Meets Efficiency

Expro's iTONG™ is the first fully autonomous tubular connection system designed to automate casing and tubing operations with a single touch. By integrating AI-powered decision-making (via Expro's iCAM® software) and real-time monitoring, iTONG™ eliminates manual labor in hazardous “red zones,” reduces connection times by 50%, and cuts annual CO₂ emissions per rig by 146 tons—equivalent to removing 32 cars from the road annually. These metrics are not just incremental improvements; they represent a paradigm shift in how offshore energy projects are executed.

The technology's impact is already proving transformative. In Ivory Coast's first West African deployment (Q4 2024), iTONG™ reduced rig time by 15 hours per month, slashing operational costs while keeping personnel out of harm's way. This success exemplifies its adaptability to Africa's unique challenges: harsh environments, limited logistical infrastructure, and the urgent need for sustainable practices.

Why Africa is the Perfect Market for iTONG™

Africa's offshore energy landscape is underserved and undercapitalized, with many projects delayed due to high costs, safety risks, and environmental scrutiny. iTONG™ addresses these pain points head-on:

1. Cost Efficiency:
2. Reduced Labor Costs: Automation cuts the number of personnel required on offshore rigs (POB), lowering accommodation and travel expenses.

3. Minimized Rig Time: Faster connections mean shorter project timelines, directly reducing day-rate costs for operators.

4. ESG Compliance:

5. Carbon Emissions Reduction: The 146-ton annual CO₂ savings per rig align with Africa's net-zero goals and regulatory pressures.

6. Safety First: Eliminating manual labor in hazardous zones reduces injury risks—a critical factor in regions with high operational risk profiles.

7. Market Expansion:

8. Africa's offshore basins, such as Nigeria's Niger Delta, Angola's Kwanza Basin, and Mozambique's Rovuma Basin, are ripe for development. iTONG™'s proven track record in deepwater environments (e.g., the U.S. Gulf of Mexico) positions it as ideal for Africa's complex geology.

The Investment Case: Why Now is the Time to Act

Expro's iTONG™ is more than a product—it's a strategic lever for investors seeking exposure to Africa's energy renaissance. Key catalysts for growth include:

• Regulatory Tailwinds: African governments are prioritizing ESG-compliant projects to attract international investment.
• Demand Surge: Africa's offshore energy projects are projected to grow at a 7–9% CAGR through 2030, driven by gas-to-power initiatives and greenfield discoveries.
• First-Mover Advantage: Expro's early adoption in Ivory Coast signals a scalable model for other African markets, from East Africa's emerging basins to the Gulf of Guinea.

The data speaks for itself:
- ROI Potential: Every hour saved translates to $100k–$200k in rig-day savings. With iTONG™ reducing rig time by 15 hours/month, operators could cut costs by $1.8–$3.6 million annually per rig.
- ESG Premium: Investors are increasingly rewarding companies like Expro that align with net-zero goals.

Conclusion: The Tide is Turning—Investors Must Act Before the Surge

Expro's iTONG™ is not just a tool—it's a blueprint for Africa's energy future. By merging cutting-edge automation with rigorous ESG principles, it is redefining operational excellence in one of the world's most promising energy markets. With Africa's offshore sector primed for growth and regulatory frameworks favoring sustainable innovation, Expro stands at the epicenter of this transformation.

For investors, the writing is on the wall: act now. Deploying capital in Expro positions you to capture double-digit returns as iTONG™ scales across Africa's oil, gas, and renewable energy projects. This is not just an investment in technology—it's an investment in the continent's transition to a safer, cleaner energy era.

The time to capitalize on Africa's offshore revolution is now. Don't let this opportunity slip below the surface.