Nigeria Poised for Oil Output Boost as NUPRC Confirms Readiness of EMEM FPSO Vessel
Nigeria’s crude oil output is set for a major surge as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) announced progress on a new offshore production facility that is nearing completion. The development is expected to help the country ramp up production and meet its OPEC+ quota, while also restoring investor confidence in the energy sector.
Chief Executive of NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe, disclosed the news following an inspection visit to Dubai Drydocks World in the United Arab Emirates. During the visit, Komolafe assessed the EMEM Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, currently undergoing final conversion works before being deployed to Nigeria’s Okwok Field, operated by Oriental Energy Resources Limited.
In a statement by NUPRC’s Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, Komolafe expressed delight at the vessel’s progress, noting that the EMEM FPSO represents a milestone for Nigeria’s “Project One Million Barrels” initiative. The initiative aims to raise the nation’s daily crude oil output by one million barrels, a goal that aligns with the country’s broader production targets.
“The FPSO is coming at a time we are intensifying efforts to increase production,” Komolafe said after the four-hour inspection. “From what I have seen, I am very impressed. As the regulator, we will continue to support Oriental Energy to achieve this goal.” He also encouraged the company to participate in upcoming licensing rounds to expand its capacity in Nigeria’s growing oil and gas sector.
Oriental Energy’s Executive Vice Chairman, Engineer Goni Sheikh, commended the NUPRC for its unwavering regulatory support and collaboration. The EMEM FPSO, converted from the Nordic Mistral tanker, boasts a one-million-barrel storage capacity, a processing capability of 40,000 barrels of oil per day, and accommodation for up to 100 personnel. Once deployed, it will handle production, processing, and storage at the Okwok Field—further positioning Nigeria for a sustainable oil output boost.
source: punch