NABARIMA

• Latitude: 10.24715
• Longitude: -62.15061
• North Coast South America
• Offshore Terminal in Venezuela

Location: Venezuela

The Offshore Terminal NABARIMA (Nabarima Floating Storage and Offloading Unit - FSO) is a vessel used in the oil industry, particularly in Venezuela, for storage and offloading of crude oil. It is a type of offshore facility that plays a critical role in the logistical operations of oil production, especially in areas where pipelines to shore are not feasible or cost-effective.

Description:

• Type: Floating Storage and Offloading Unit (FSO)
• Location: Located in the waters of the Gulf of Paria, Venezuela
• Owner/Operator: The FSO is owned by Petrosucre, a joint venture between Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) and Eni.

Specifications:

1. Construction and Dimensions:

   • The NABARIMA is a converted oil tanker.
   • It features substantial storage capacity, typically around hundreds of thousands of barrels of crude oil.
   • The vessel's dimensions (length, width, depth) are designed to safely accommodate significant volumes of oil.

2. Storage Capacity:

   • The FSO can hold up to around 1.3 million barrels of crude oil.
   • It has segregated tanks to optimize storage and to manage different types of crude oil grades if necessary.

3. Mooring System:

   • The NABARIMA uses a mooring system to remain stationary in its offshore location.
   • This system is designed to provide stability against weather and sea conditions, ensuring the safety of the vessel and its cargo.

4. Facilities and Equipment:

   • The vessel is equipped with facilities for offloading crude oil onto shuttle tankers.
   • It features safety and containment systems to prevent spills and leaks.
   • Modern navigation and communication equipment are installed to ensure operational efficiency and safety.

5. Environmental and Safety Measures:

   • The FSO is fitted with pollution control equipment and containment booms to minimize environmental impact.
   • Regular inspections and maintenance routines are in place to address any potential structural or operational issues.

Operational Context:

The NABARIMA plays a critical role in Venezuela's oil export strategy, particularly in the Gulf of Paria area. It serves as an intermediary storage facility to manage extracted crude oil from offshore production platforms until it can be transferred to tankers for export.

Recent Concerns:

The NABARIMA has faced significant scrutiny in recent years due to reports of maintenance issues and risks of structural integrity. Concerns about potential oil spills have prompted calls for international intervention and thorough inspections to prevent environmental disasters.

Importance:

As part of Venezuela's oil infrastructure, the NABARIMA is central to the country's ability to store and transport crude oil efficiently. The FSO's operation impacts both the local and global oil markets, as well as environmental health in the region.

The ongoing maintenance and safety measures are critical to ensuring that it continues to function effectively without posing risks to the environment.