Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr Gbenga Komolafe, has expressed optimism that Nigeria’s oil production will soon experience an upsurge as the Emem Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO), is set for its final voyage to Nigeria.
Komolafe stated this on Tuesday during an inspection of the EMEM FPSO at the Dubai Drydocks World (DDWD) in the United Arab Emirates.
In a statement signed by the Head, Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, NUPRC explained that the inspection formed part of the Commission’s oversight of the vessel’s sail‑away readiness.
According to the statement, the EMEM FPSO is being converted at DDWD for Oriental Energy Resources Limited (OERL) and will be deployed to the Okwok Field (PML 15), operated by Oriental Okwok Limited, offshore Nigeria.
“Engineer 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,” Akinkuotu stated.
“The walkthrough enabled the Commission to assess the project’s compliance, quality, and readiness for sail away.”
Speaking after the tour of the FPSO, the NUPRC Chief Executive said the FPSO is coming to Nigeria at a time when the country is pushing to increase oil production by one million barrels through the Project One Million Barrels initiative.
“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,” Komolafe said.
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The NUPRC boss urged Oriental Energy to participate in the next licensing round, adding that the company had demonstrated it has the capacity to take on more projects in Nigeria’s 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.
Executive Vice Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources Limited, Engineer Goni Sheikh, thanked the Commission for the encouragement, support and oversight by the team.
“Since the start of this project, we have received 100 % support from NUPRC. We thank the regulator for the oversight and guidance; you are truly a business facilitator,” Sheikh said.
The Okwok Field Development Project is a major milestone for Nigeria’s upstream sector, demonstrating increased indigenous technological capabilities.
The project aims to transform the Nordic Mistral, a double-hulled oil tanker with a storage capacity of one million barrels, into a fully integrated FPSO with a 15-year operational lifespan.
The EMEM FPSO has the following key specifications: Processing capacity: 40,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD); liquids handling: 70,000 barrels of liquid per day (BLPD). Produced water treatment: 60,000 barrels per day (BWPD). Others include Water injection: 60,000 BWPD.
The vessel has a gas processing capacity of 15 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD), a gas lift of 7.5 MMSCFD, and a gas injection of 3.5 MMSCFDo. It can accommodate up to 100 crew and has a 12-point spread mooring system.
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The vessel will help Nigeria achieve its goal of 1.7 million barrels per day by 2027, with targets of 2 million barrels by 2027 and 3 million barrels in the long term. This will be accomplished through improved relationships with international oil companies and independents, removal of legacy blockers, and a focus on shared value.
The NUPRC’s backing highlights its role in promoting investment and maintaining regulatory compliance as Nigeria tries to increase oil output and boost its position as Africa’s energy center.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in mass communication.
