EMEM FPSO will bolster Nigeria's 1MBPD ambition - Komolafe
By Olakunle Oke
The Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, has expressed optimism that Nigeria’s crude oil output will soon receive a major boost following the deployment of the EMEM Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.
Komolafe made this known while on inspection of the EMEM Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel at Dubai Drydocks World in the United Arab Emirates.
The visit formed part of the Commission’s regulatory oversight to assess the vessel’s readiness for deployment to Nigerian waters.
The EMEM FPSO, currently undergoing final conversion works, is being developed for Oriental Energy Resources Limited and will be deployed to the Okwok Field, operated by Oriental Okwok Limited, offshore Nigeria.
During a four-hour detailed inspection, the NUPRC boss assessed several critical components of the facility, including the oil and produced water treatment unit, gas injection modules, seawater treatment systems, gas turbine generators, electrical house, LACT unit, laboratory, control room, and accommodation quarters. The walkthrough, according to him, enabled the Commission to confirm the project’s compliance, quality, and readiness for sail-away.
Once deployed, the EMEM FPSO will handle crude production, processing, storage, and offloading operations for the Okwok Field, one of Nigeria’s key offshore assets expected to contribute significantly to the country’s oil output targets.
Komolafe described the development as timely, coming at a period when Nigeria is working to ramp up production to meet its OPEC+ quota and attract more investment into the upstream sector.
“This FPSO is coming to Nigeria at a time we are seeking to increase production. It will help us achieve our Project One Million Barrels initiative. From what I have seen, I am very impressed, and as the regulator, we will continue to support Oriental Energy,” he stated.
He also urged Oriental Energy to participate in the forthcoming licensing round, noting that the company had demonstrated strong technical and operational capacity to expand its role in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
“We advise that you participate in the next licensing round, at least to optimise your capacity. We are convinced that Oriental Energy has the potential to contribute more to our national development,” Komolafe added.