EMEM Floating Vessel Will Increase Oriental Energy’s Production Capacity To 40,000bpd -Lokpobiri
By Sunday Etuka
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has stated that the EMEM Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel will drive an increase in Oriental Energy’s production capacity from the 10,000 bpd that they are currently on, to about 40,000 bpd.
Senator Lokpobiri, who disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Sunday, said the sail away of the vessel was not merely the launch of a facility, but a powerful demonstration of confidence in the nation’s petroleum sector and a reflection of the innovation and strategic foresight of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, driving the industry’s renewal.
The Minister said the achievement highlights the growing capacity of the nation’s indigenous operators to independently deliver complex, world-class projects that advance national production targets.
While commending Oriental Energy Resources Limited for its vision, resilience, and commitment to operational excellence, Lokpobiri noted that the Federal Government remains steadfast in supporting independent operators through enabling policies and partnerships that foster growth, enhance energy security, and create enduring value for Nigeria.
Recall that the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, recently paid an official visit to Dubai Drydocks World (DDWD) in the United Arab Emirates as part of regulatory oversight of the EMEM FPSO, ahead of final voyage to Nigeria.
Engr. Komolafe undertook a four-hour detailed inspection of the vessel, inspecting critical areas including the Oil and Produced Water Treatment Unit, Gas Injection Modules, Seawater Treatment Facilities, Gas Turbine Generators, Electrical House, LACT Unit, Laboratory, Control Room, and Accommodation Quarters.
The walk through enabled the Commission to assess the project’s compliance, quality, and readiness for sail away.
The NUPRC boss said the FPSO’s planned departure to Nigeria was good news as it aligns with the Project One Million Barrels initiative which seeks to increase the country’s oil production by one million barrels.
“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. From what I have seen, I am very impressed and as the regulator, we will continue to give support to Oriental Energy,” he said.
Engr. Komolafe advised Oriental Energy to participate in the next licensing round as the company had shown that it had the capacity to take on more projects in Nigeria’s vibrant oil and gas sector.
“We advise that you participate in the next licensing round at least to optimise your capacity. We are convinced that Oriental Energy has the capacity to contribute to our national development,” he added.
