Nigeria’s Oil Production Boost on Track as New FPSO Vessel Nears Completion
Nigeria’s ambitious plan to increase crude oil production to 3 million barrels per day is making steady progress, according to Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) Chief Executive Engineer Gbenga Komolafe.
During a recent inspection visit to Dubai Drydocks World (DDWD) in the UAE, Komolafe evaluated the EMEM Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, which is being prepared for deployment to Nigeria’s Okwok Field (PML 15). The field is operated by Oriental Okwok Limited, a subsidiary of Oriental Energy Resources Limited (OERL).
The comprehensive four-hour inspection covered crucial components of the vessel, including the Oil and Produced Water Treatment Unit, Gas Injection Modules, and various technical facilities. Komolafe’s thorough examination aimed to verify the project’s compliance standards and readiness for deployment.
“This FPSO is coming to Nigeria at a time we are seeking to increase production. It will help in achieving our project One Million Barrels,” Komolafe stated after the inspection. He expressed satisfaction with the vessel’s condition and pledged continued regulatory support for Oriental Energy.
The project represents a significant technological advancement in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. The EMEM FPSO, converted from the Nordic Mistral tanker, features impressive specifications including: – 1 million barrels storage capacity – 40,000 BOPD processing capacity – 70,000 BLPD handling capability – Advanced water treatment and gas processing systems – Accommodation for 100 personnel
Oriental Energy’s Executive Vice Chairman, Engineer Goni Sheikh, acknowledged NUPRC’s support, praising the commission’s dedication to facilitating business operations. In response, Komolafe encouraged Oriental Energy to participate in future licensing rounds, citing their demonstrated capabilities in the sector.
The Okwok Field Development Project marks a milestone in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry, showcasing growing indigenous technical expertise. With its 15-year operational lifespan and comprehensive processing capabilities, the EMEM FPSO is poised to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s oil production expansion strategy.
The vessel’s deployment aligns with Nigeria’s broader objective to enhance its position in the global oil market while developing domestic technical capabilities in the petroleum sector.
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