Nigeria’s Crude Exports to Drop 225,000 BPD as Shell Shuts Bonga FPSO for Maintenance

Nigeria’s crude oil exports are set to decline by about 225,000 barrels per day this February due to the planned shutdown of the Bonga Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel for routine maintenance. Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), which operates the Bonga field, confirmed the maintenance exercise in a statement released on Sunday, emphasizing that it is a standard procedure to safeguard the facility’s long-term performance.

The Bonga FPSO, one of Nigeria’s largest deepwater oil assets, has been a cornerstone of the country’s oil output since it began production in 2005. Located approximately 120 kilometers offshore in waters over 1,000 meters deep, the facility recently celebrated a major milestone, producing its one-billionth barrel of oil—a testament to its vital role in Nigeria’s energy portfolio. The temporary shutdown comes as Nigeria continues efforts to stabilize production and maximize foreign exchange earnings from crude exports.

SNEPCo’s Managing Director, Mr. Ronald Adams, explained that the maintenance program is designed to reduce unplanned downtime, enhance operational efficiency, and reinforce the asset’s resilience. “This turnaround is critical for safe and efficient operations and will position the Bonga FPSO for another 15 years of reliable production,” Adams said. The work, which began in early February, is expected to be completed by March, when full production will resume.

The maintenance covers extensive surface and subsea inspections, re-certifications, engineering modifications, and subsea assurance activities, ensuring the facility meets strict safety, environmental, and operational standards. The program is especially important as the Bonga FPSO prepares to handle increased production volumes from the recently approved Bonga North Deepwater project, reinforcing its significance in Nigeria’s offshore oil landscape.

With a nameplate production capacity of 225,000 barrels of oil per day and an additional 150 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, the Bonga field remains a critical contributor to Nigeria’s oil production and revenue generation. Operated under a production sharing contract with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and partnered by Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria and Nigerian Agip Exploration, the FPSO continues to be essential for energy security and the long-term stability of the nation’s crude exports.

source: nairametrics