BJ Services Company has been awarded a contract by a major operator to provide cementing and related engineering services in Algeria. The multi-million dollar contract was awarded to BJSP, a joint venture company comprised of ENSP, a division of the Algerian-based operator, and BJ Services.

“We welcome this new contract to provide well services to this operator and its many developments in Algeria,” said Umberto Micheli, region manager-Europe and Africa for the Well Services division of BJ Services. “I attribute our success in Algeria to the effectiveness and safety of our services, as well as to the experience and commitment of the well services team,” he added.

The scheduled programme of cementing services supports plans by the operator to drill wells with its 35 land rigs that it operates throughout Algeria, 13 of which BJ will be supporting. A number of the proposed wells are highly deviated with total depths ranging from approximately 7,200 feet to 15,000 feet.

BJ is providing engineering, operations and administrative support with its well services personnel at the company's primary base in Hassi Messaoudor, and at its secondary bases in Hassi Berkine, Amenas and Hassi R’mel, Algeria. BJ has commenced work on the new contract, which is scheduled for completion in 2009.

BJSP is working closely with the operator to employ and train members of the local community in safe and efficient working practices, as well as in BJSP’s specialist technologies. In this way, BJSP will continue to raise the health, safety and environment standards throughout all phases of the operation.

To support this contract, BJ operates a primary workshop in Hassi Messaoud, and a secondary workshop at each of the outposts. In addition to the main laboratory in Hassi Messaoud, portable laboratories are also available and will be moved from site to site throughout Algeria as needs arise.