FORCADOS TERMINAL

• Latitude: 5.16993
• Longitude: 5.16941
• West Africa
• Offshore Terminal in Nigeria

Location: Nigeria

Forcados Terminal, located along the western Niger Delta in Nigeria, is a significant offshore oil export terminal. Operated primarily by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in collaboration with international oil companies, it serves as a critical outlet for crude oil produced in Nigeria's onshore and offshore oil fields. Here's an overview of its description and specifications:

Description:

1. Location:

   • Geographical Position: The Forcados Terminal is situated in Forcados, near the mouth of the Forcados River which leads into the Bight of Benin.
   • Proximity: It is approximately 20 kilometers offshore from the Nigerian coast in the western Niger Delta.

2. History and Ownership:

   • Commissioning: The terminal was commissioned in the early 1970s.
   • Operatorship: Though the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is a key stakeholder, the terminal has also been operated under the supervision of Shell Nigeria, among other international and local oil companies.

3. Infrastructure:

   • Export Facilities: The terminal includes a floating storage unit (FSU) and Single Point Mooring (SPM) systems.
   • Storage Capacity: Forcados Terminal has substantial storage facilities, including large oil storage tanks and FSUs capable of holding significant volumes of crude oil.

4. Operations:

   • Connectivity: It is integrated into Nigeria’s extensive pipeline network, connecting with multiple oil fields and infrastructure within the Niger Delta.
   • Loading Capacity: The terminal is equipped to handle large crude carriers (VLCCs) and manage significant throughput capacity for crude oil exports.

5. Economic Impact:

   • The terminal plays a critical role in Nigeria's oil export economy, handling a substantial portion of the country's crude oil production and export.

Specifications:

1. Technical Details:

   • Loading Systems: Utilizes Single Point Mooring (SPM) systems to facilitate the loading of large crude oil tankers.
   • FSU Details: The Floating Storage Units can manage and temporarily store crude oil before it is transferred to tankers.

2. Storage Capacity:

   • Estimates suggest the terminal has a storage capacity of around several million barrels of oil, though precise values can vary based on operational changes and upgrades.

3. Throughput Volume:

   • Historically, Forcados Terminal has had an estimated throughput volume of around 250,000 to 400,000 barrels per day (bpd), subject to variations due to operational and environmental factors.

4. Security and Environmental Measures:

   • Due to its strategic importance, the terminal is under robust security measures to protect against theft, vandalism, and geopolitical risks.
   • Environmental safeguards and response plans are implemented to mitigate the risks of oil spills and other ecological impacts.

Challenges:

1. Security Concerns:

   • The facility has experienced disruptions due to militant activities, oil theft, and vandalism, leading to occasional shutdowns and repairs.

2. Technical and Environmental Issues:

   • The complex and sensitive operational environment often necessitates constant maintenance and upgrades of the infrastructure to prevent spills and ensure efficient operations.

Conclusion:

The Forcados Terminal remains a vital infrastructure asset for Nigeria's oil industry, directly impacting the country’s economy and serving global crude oil markets. Despite challenges, it continues to be a crucial point in the global oil supply chain.