Egina FPSO crude oil spillage spreads, as NIMASA, others step up actions to contain impact
Egina FPSO
Oredola Adeola
As the crude oil spillage continues to spread following the incident that occurred during loading operations at the Total Energies-operated Egina field on November 15, 2023, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said it is working with stakeholders to contain the environmental impact on the ecosystem and local communities.
Dr Bashir Jamoh, Director General of NIMASA made this known in a statement obtained by EnergyDay on Wednesday.
According to the NIMASA boss, the Agency is collaborating with all stakeholders to control the pollution and also put in place measures to prevent such occurrences in the future, in line with provisions of the MARPOL Convention.
Dr. Jamoh said, “Since the incident happened, our men have been liaising with other organs of Government to ensure the pollution is effectively controlled and managed, to protect the marine environment and the communities close to the incident point.
‘’ Accidents do happen, it’s what we do thereafter that matters, and I believe that the IOC Total, working with NIMASA, NUPRC, NOSDRA, and collaborating with international service providers, will surely ensure proper management of the spill,” the NIMASA DG said.
EnergyDay gathered that Total Energies has been making efforts through aerial surveillance, and dispersant application, while further mobilization is being considered.
“The Oil Spill Response Limited from the United Kingdom is also assisting with pollution control measures.
“A reconnaissance survey of the impacted area confirms that the shoreline communities of Andoni, Qua-Iboe terminals, Bonny Island, Opobo/Nkoro, and Eastern Obolo, which are closest to Egina, are not yet affected,” the NIMASA said in the statement signed by Osagie Edward, its spokesperson.
EnergyDay’s check showed that the Egina Floating Production and Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, with a storage capacity of 2.3 million barrels, located within the Egina Oil field in Port Harcourt, has experienced a significant crude oil spill during loading operations, leading to environmental and operational concerns.
