MEROU

• Latitude: -1.06132
• Longitude: 8.71302
• West Africa
• Offshore Terminal in Gabon

Location: Gabon

The Offshore Terminal MEROU, located off the coast of Gabon, is a structure designed to facilitate the loading and unloading of oil and gas products from tankers. Here’s a detailed description and specification of the terminal:

Description

1. Location:

   • The MEROU Offshore Terminal is situated in water depths suitable for large tanker operations, positioned off the coast of Gabon within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

2. Function:

   • Primarily serves as a hub for the export of crude oil and occasionally, other hydrocarbon products. It acts as a transfer point between offshore oil platforms and tanker ships.

3. Type:

   • Single Point Mooring (SPM) or Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) system which is a floating buoy anchored offshore, allowing tankers to moor and connect to the terminal for cargo transfer.

Specifications

1. Infrastructure Components:

   • Mooring System: Equipped with highly durable chains and anchors that withstand deep water currents and environmental conditions.
   • Floating Hose System: Used for the transfer of crude oil from the terminal to the tankers, capable of handling high flow rates.
   • Subsea Pipelines: Connects the terminal to onshore oil storage facilities or directly to offshore oil platforms.

2. Capacity:

   • Tanker Size Accommodation: Can handle Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCCs).
   • Flow Rate: High-capacity loading arms and pipeline systems ensure efficient transfer rates typically ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 cubic meters per hour (dependent on the specific configurations).

3. Safety Features:

   • Emergency Shutdown Systems (ESD): Automatically halts operations in case of a system breach or potential hazard.
   • Fire Fighting Systems: Equipped with advanced fire suppression technology, including foam, water deluge systems, and remote firefighting monitors.
   • Environmental Protection: Implementing oil spill response equipment and protocols to mitigate environmental risks.

4. Navigation Aids:

   • Equipped with lighting, buoys, and signaling equipment to aid in the safe navigation of tankers approaching and mooring at the terminal.

5. Operational Considerations:

   • Weather and Sea Conditions: Constructed to operate effectively under a range of sea states and weather conditions typical of the Gabonese offshore environment.
   • Maintenance: Regular maintenance schedules ensure the reliability and longevity of components, including periodic underwater inspections and surface checks.

6. Compliance and Standards:

   • Adheres to international maritime safety and operational standards, including those set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the American Petroleum Institute (API).

Additional Features

• Support Vessels: Often accompanied by support vessels that assist in mooring operations, ship handling, and emergency response.
• Communication Systems: Equipped with state-of-the-art communication technology to ensure seamless coordination between terminal operators, support crews, and tanker ships.
• Security: Enhanced security measures to prevent unauthorized access and potential threats.

Conclusion

The Offshore Terminal MEROU in Gabon is a strategically vital asset for the country's hydrocarbon export industry, designed to handle large-scale crude oil transfer operations safely and efficiently. Its robust infrastructure, coupled with advanced safety and environmental protection systems, ensures reliable performance in the demanding offshore environment.