Bolstering Nigeria’s offshore capacity

Converted FPSO to support offshore field

A converted FPSO left Dubai this weekend to take up position at Nigeria’s Okwok field as a key asset to support production in the offshore block. Designed to operate continuously for up to 15 years without drydocking, the vessel is expected to begin production in in the first quarter of next year.

Drydocks World has completed the full conversion and integration of the EMEM Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel and held a sailaway ceremony on Saturday which was attended by key figures, including Captain Rado Antolovic, CEO of Drydocks World, Sen Heineken Lokpobiri PhD (Minister of State (Oil), Federal Republic of Nigeria along with  Dr Muhammadu Indimi, OFR, Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources Limited.

The conversion project involved major structural modifications, full marine system upgrades, and the installation and integration of 19 topside production and utility modules, transforming the former oil tanker into a fully operational offshore production unit.

Once operational, the EMEM FPSO will be able to process up to 70,000 barrels of total liquids per day, manage roughly 15 million standard cubic feet of gas daily and store up to one million barrels of crude oil.

The vessel was officially named in December 2024 during a ceremony at Drydocks World, attended by Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, along with senior government, industry, and partner representatives. The event underlined the project’s strategic role in boosting Nigeria’s offshore production capabilities and broader industrial development. 

Captain Rado Antolovic, CEO of Drydocks World, said: “The EMEM FPSO represents a powerful convergence of global engineering excellence and local ambition. From its inception, the EMEM FPSO required precision, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and unwavering commitment.” 

PHOTO: From left to right: Ambassador Babangana Kingibe, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Excellency Governor of Akwa Ibom Pastor Umo Eno, Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources, His Excellency Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, His Excellency Governor of Adamawa State Amado Umaru Fintiri, Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Heineken Lokpobiri, Captain Rado Antolovic, CEO, Drydocks World.

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