PCE Nigeria Logo
1.565 KM BENEATH THE RIVER NIGER

AKK River Niger Crossing.

AUGUST 2024

PCE completed the specialist HDD crossing for the 40-inch AKK gas pipeline beneath the River Niger through mixed sand, gravel and rock strata.

Pipeline Diameter40 inches
HDD Length1,565 metres
Crossing Depth16 metres
Completed26th July, 2025
THE CHALLENGE

A project-critical crossing that remained incomplete.

The River Niger crossing formed part of the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano section of the Trans Nigeria Gas Pipeline.

After previous specialist HDD attempts had not completed the crossing, the unfinished section continued to affect connection and commissioning of the wider project.

PCE was appointed to execute the crossing package.

THE ENGINEERING RESPONSE

An HDD method shaped around mixed geology.

The crossing required a technical response to sand, gravel and rock across a 1.565 km alignment.

PCE's execution approach included:

  • Dual-rig intersecting technology for the pilot hole
  • Dual-rig synchronous operation during reaming
  • A self-developed drilling-fluid formula
  • High-capacity HDD equipment
  • Specialist guidance and coordinated operations across the crossing
THE RESULT

The AKK River Niger crossing: completed.

PCE successfully installed the 40-inch AKK gas pipeline beneath the River Niger using specialist HDD.

The crossing began on 25 March 2025 and was completed on 26 July 2025.

1.56 kmCompleted crossing