FPSO KWAME NKRUMAH M
- Latitude: 4.59892
- Longitude: -2.8908
- Offshore Terminal in Panama
Address: Panama
The FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) Kwame Nkrumah MV21 is a significant asset in the offshore oil and gas industry. Named after Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana, this vessel primarily operates in the Jubilee oil field off the coast of Ghana in the Atlantic Ocean. However, it's essential to note that while it is closely associated with Ghana, FPSOs like the Kwame Nkrumah can be registered in different countries, including Panama for various regulatory and operational reasons.
Description:
FPSO Kwame Nkrumah MV21 is designed to extract, process, store, and offload hydrocarbons (oil and gas) extracted from under the sea. Converted from a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), it is equipped with sophisticated hydrocarbon processing equipment on its topside and large storage capacities in its hull.
Key Specifications:
Vessel Type: FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading)
Former Identity: Originally a VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) before conversion.
Fields of Operation: Primarily operates in the Jubilee field, Ghana.
Owner/Operator: Owned by Modec and operated for Tullow Oil, along with its partners Kosmos Energy, Anadarko Petroleum, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), and PetroSA.
Registration: Often such vessels are registered in Panama due to favorable regulatory and financial conditions.
Dimensions:
- Length Overall: Approximately 332 meters
- Width (Beam): Around 58 meters
- Depth: Roughly 30 meters
- Draft: Fully loaded draft is about 22 meters
Capacities:
- Oil Production Capacity: 120,000 barrels per day
- Gas Production Capacity: 160 million cubic feet per day
- Water Injection Capacity: 230,000 barrels per day
- Storage Capacity: Capable of storing around 1.6 million barrels of crude oil
Processing Capabilities:
- Oil Processing: Includes separation of oil, gas, and water; removal of impurities; stabilization of crude oil.
- Gas Processing: Gas compression and treatment for re-injection into the reservoir or export.
- Water Treatment: Water injection systems to maintain reservoir pressure and enhance oil recovery.
Mooring System:
- Type: Spread moored using an External Turret mooring system, allowing the vessel to weathervane around the mooring point and ensuring stable operations even in harsh environmental conditions.
Safety and Environmental Features:
- Equipped with fire and gas detection systems
- Emergency shut-down systems
- Oil spill response plan and containment systems
- Environmental monitoring systems to ensure adherence to environmental regulations
Crew and Accommodation:
- Designed to accommodate a significant crew, including operational staff, maintenance personnel, and safety officers
- Facilities include living quarters, mess halls, recreational areas, and medical facilities
Operational Excellence:
FPSO Kwame Nkrumah MV21 represents a critical infrastructure for the offshore oil and gas sector in Ghana, enabling efficient extraction and processing of oil and gas from deepwater fields. Its design and operation adhere to the latest standards of safety, environmental protection, and efficiency.
Notable Operations:
The vessel had undergone periods of maintenance and repair to address technical issues and ensure peak operational efficiency. Issues such as turret bearing problems had been addressed to maintain the vessel's integrity and productivity.
Registration in Panama:
Registering the vessel in Panama is a strategic decision often influenced by factors such as favorable maritime laws, tax incentives, and regulatory environment that supports the efficient global operation of such offshore assets.
In conclusion, the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah MV21 is a sophisticated and vital piece of infrastructure enabling Ghana to harness its offshore oil and gas resources effectively. Its design and capabilities make it a benchmark in the industry.