ETAME

• GAETA
• Latitude: -3.75618
• Longitude: 10.5223
• West Africa
• Offshore Terminal in Gabon

Location: Gabon

ETAME Marine Port, Gabon

Overview

Etame Marine Terminal is an offshore oil facility situated in the Etame Marin block off the coast of Gabon, West Africa. This terminal plays a crucial role in the export of crude oil produced from the Etame Marin field, which is managed by a consortium of various energy companies. The facility spans multiple fields and uses sophisticated offshore infrastructure for extraction, storage, and export.

Location

• Geographical Coordinates: Situated approximately 35 kilometers offshore in the Gulf of Guinea.
• Water Depth: The terminal operates in water depths ranging from approximately 75 meters to deeper waters, where semi-submersible rigs and FPSOs (Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading units) are commonly deployed.

Offshore Components

1. FPSO Units: The main floating facility is an FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) vessel that processes crude oil directly from the wells and stores it until it can be offloaded to tankers.

   • Capacity: Typically, these FPSOs have storage capacities around 1-2 million barrels of oil.
   • Loading Rate: Up to 40,000 barrels per day depending on the specific unit and field production levels.

2. Subsea Infrastructure:

   • Wells: A network of production and injection wells linked via subsea pipelines.
   • Flowlines and Risers: Extensive infrastructure connecting subsea wells to the FPSO.

3. Mooring System:

   • Turret Mooring: The FPSO is usually moored using a turret system that allows it to weathervane around the mooring point, thus stabilizing against ocean currents and winds.

Operations

• Primary Activity: Export of crude oil derived from several nearby fields including the Etame, Avouma, and Ebouri fields.
• Crude Specification: Heavy to medium crude oil, with varying API gravity typically around 25-35 degrees.

Loading and Export

• Offloading to Tankers: Crude oil is offloaded from the FPSO via a loading hose to shuttle tankers. This operation can be conducted in relatively calm sea states typical of the region.
  • Berthing and Mooring: Tankers moor to the FPSO using a tandem or STS (Ship-to-Ship) mooring configuration.
  • Loading Rate: Generally, moderate, depending upon the FPSO and tanker specifications.

Safety and Environmental Measures

• Safety Protocols: Stringent safety measures including emergency shutdown systems, fire suppression systems, and regular safety drills to manage the risks associated with offshore operations.
• Environmental Monitoring: Measures to mitigate environmental impact include spill response plans, continuous monitoring of discharge and emissions, and adherence to international maritime environmental standards.

Key Players

• Operator: The Etame Marin block is operated by a consortium of oil companies, often involving both international and local entities.
• Regulation: Overseen by Gabon’s hydrocarbon regulatory body, ensuring compliance with national and international offshore operational standards.

Strategic Importance

The Etame Marine Terminal is vital for Gabon's oil export economy, contributing significantly to the national revenue. It underscores the importance of offshore oil fields to the global oil supply chain and showcases the integration of advanced offshore technology in hydrocarbon extraction and export.

Challenges

• Weather Conditions: Operations can be affected by tropical weather systems requiring robust operational readiness to handle potential disruptions.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance of subsea infrastructure and the FPSO is essential, necessitating specialized underwater services and periodic dry-docking of the FPSO.

Conclusion

The Etame Marine Terminal is a sophisticated offshore export facility critical to Gabon's oil industry. With its combination of advanced offshore extraction technologies and robust infrastructure, it plays an essential role in the region’s energy landscape, ensuring the efficient transport of crude oil to international markets.