Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel Trinity Spirit exploded and sunk off the coast of Ukpokiti Terminal, around Excravos, Warri South-west, Delta State, Nigeria on Wednesday (Feb. 2, 2022) early morning.
It is unknown how much she is carrying but the 132,995 DWT ship is able to process 22,000 barrels of oil per day with an overall storage capacity of 2 million barrels.
Fire and Explosion
Fire is seen in the video of the burning ship raging on deck in front of the superstructure while sagging largely on that part. This could indicate the origin of the explosion.
According to a Nigerian oil expert, Trinity Spirit could be carrying 50,000 barrels of oil in its tanks due to her not operating at that time.
She is also the primary production facility of the OML 108 block in the Ukpokiti, oilfield.
The Nigerian regulator Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) previously revoked SEPCOL’s production license for OML 108 in 2019.
Damage Control
Shebah Exploration and Production Company Limited (SEPCOL), owner of the sunken vessel, issued a statement confirming that 10 people were working on board that ship.
“The cause of the explosion is currently being investigated and we are working with necessary parties to contain the situation,” said the company’s chief executive Ikemefuna Okafor in a written statement.
“We appreciate the assistance provided us by the Clean Nigeria Associates, the Chevron team operating in the nearby Escravos facility, and our community stakeholders as well as fishermen, who have been of tremendous assistance since the incident happened.”
NUPRC also expressed support for an investigation of the incident.
“We got information about the fire incident yesterday and we immediately ordered our field officers to commence an investigation. Investigations are still ongoing,” said Gbenga Komolafe, NUPRC’s chief executive.
“It is only after we have received the report of this investigation from our team that we will issue a comprehensive statement devoid of speculation,” he continued.
May the winds be in your favor