Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — A massive fire outbreak has razed the 4,000barrels of crude oil per day capacity Britannia-U1 FPSO operated by Nigerian independent producer, Britannia-U Nigeria Limited, offshore Forcados in Delta State.
Although the cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained, a viral video by rescue workers showed trapped workers on the FPSO shouting for help while others jumped into the open water, swimming for their lives.
Britannia-U FPSO which is stationed at Ajapa oilfield, within Chevron Nigeria Limited’s operated shallow water Petroleum Mining Lease, PML90. Ajapa is one of 24 marginal fields granted to 31 Nigerian companies in 2003.
The oilfield began production in January 2010, with the operator Britannia-U selling directly to Chevron, which transports the crude oil by shuttle barge to Escravos export terminal.
Confirming the development, the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, said the incident occurred yesterday offshore Forcados.
NOSDRA Zonal Director, Port Harcourt Zone, Mr Imeh Ekanem, who confirmed the fire, did not give further details on the incident.
