Oil vessel explodes off Nigerian coast

“The cause of the explosion is currently being investigated and we are working with necessary parties to contain the situation.”

Chukwuemeka Ayomide • February 3, 2022

Oil vessel on fire used to illustrate the story [Photo credit: BBC]

Fire has engulfed an oil production ship capable of carrying up to two million barrels of oil at the early hours of Wednesday, Bloomberg reports.

Confirming the development in a statement on Wednesday, Shebah Exploration and Production Company Limited (SEPCOL), the organisation currently in possession of the vessel on lease, said it had commenced an investigation to ascertain the cause of the explosion.

“The management of Shebah Exploration & Production Company Ltd (SEPCOL) in RECEIVERSHIP hereby announce the unfortunate incident of a fire that engulfed our offshore facility, the FPSO Trinity Spirit located at the Ukpokiti Terminal, following an explosion during the early hours of Wednesday, February 2 2022,” Ikemefuna Okafor, the chief executive officer of SEPCOL said.

“The cause of the explosion is currently being investigated and we are working with necessary parties to contain the situation,” he added.

Despite stating that no casualty has been recorded, Mr Okafor, who disclosed that 10 crew members were onboard the facility when the incident occurred, was unable to give an account of the whereabouts of the crew members.

He mentioned that his organisation was prioritising investigations into the crew’s whereabouts to ensure their safety and security.

The vessel can process up to 22,000 barrels a day.

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