ERHA TERMINAL

• NGERT
• Latitude: 5.35
• Longitude: 4.35
• West Africa
• Offshore Terminal in Nigeria

Location: Nigeria

Erha Terminal Overview

Location: Erha Terminal is an offshore oil loading terminal situated off the coast of Nigeria. It is specifically positioned in the Gulf of Guinea, approximately 97 kilometers (60 miles) offshore from the southeastern region of the Niger Delta.

Ownership and Operation: The terminal is owned and operated by ExxonMobil and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) under a joint venture agreement.

Function: Erha Terminal primarily serves as an export facility for crude oil produced from the Erha field, as well as other nearby offshore fields. The terminal handles Mooring support, FPSO (Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading) operations, and crude oil transfer to tankers.

Specifications:

1. Berthing:

• Mooring Capacity: The terminal includes an offshore FPSO unit and a single point mooring (SPM) buoy system that facilitates the loading of crude oil onto tankers.
• Vessel Accommodation: It is equipped to handle Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and other similarly sized vessels.

2. FPSO Units:

• FPSO Vessel: The primary FPSO associated with the Erha Terminal is the "Erha FPSO."
• Capacity: The Erha FPSO has a production capacity of approximately 150,000 barrels of oil per day and storage capacity of about 2.2 million barrels of crude oil.

3. Infrastructure:

• Subsea Facilities: Extensive subsea infrastructure includes wellheads, manifolds, risers, and flowlines connected to the FPSO, facilitating the extraction of hydrocarbons.
• Support Vessels: The operations are supported by supply vessels, standby vessels, and tugs for berthing and safety operations.

4. Environmental and Safety Standards:

• Safety Measures: The Erha Terminal implements stringent safety protocols, including well control measures, emergency response plans, and regular safety drills.
• Environmental Protection: Efforts are in place to minimize environmental impact through careful management of emissions, discharge, and waste.

5. Operational Details:

• Loading Rate: The loading rate for crude oil to tankers can vary, with typical rates between 30,000 to 70,000 barrels per hour, depending on the vessel and specific operational conditions.
• Navigation Aids: The terminal is equipped with modern navigation aids, including radar, GPS, and radio communication systems to facilitate safe berthing and unberthing of tankers.
• Weather Conditions: Given its offshore location, operations are subject to sea and weather conditions, which are closely monitored to ensure the safety and efficiency of operations.

6. Regulations and Compliance:

• The terminal complies with both national and international maritime regulations, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards. Regular inspections and audits are conducted to ensure adherence to safety and environmental protocols.

7. Services:

• Pilotage: While the terminal does not typically require pilotage due to its offshore nature, berthing operations involve the use of mooring masters and experienced crew.
• Bunkering: Bunkering services for vessels may be coordinated as needed but are typically managed through separate arrangements.

8. Future Developments:

• Continuous investment in infrastructure and technology is anticipated to maintain and enhance the operational efficiency and safety of the Erha Terminal. Expansion plans may include further subsea developments or additional FPSO units, contingent upon exploration results and market demand.

In summary, the Erha Terminal is a critical infrastructure component of Nigeria's offshore oil production and export capabilities, characterized by its offshore operational setting, advanced FPSO technology, and stringent adherence to safety and environmental standards.