The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) issued a statement on Wednesday, confirming the incident and stating that it occurred during loading operations on November 15, 2023, around 6:30 am.
NIMASA revealed that its officials are actively monitoring the situation, collaborating closely with the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) from a crisis management room. Real-time monitoring is facilitated through oil spill monitoring software from the emergency response center.
A substantial oil spill has been identified on the Egina Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO), situated approximately 150 kilometers off the coast of Nigeria in the Gulf of Guinea.
While the precise volume of the spill is yet to be confirmed, Total Energies, the operator of the FPSO, is engaged in aerial surveillance and dispersant application. Additional mobilization efforts are under consideration. The United Kingdom’s Oil Spill Response Limited has been enlisted to assist with pollution control measures.
NIMASA’s reconnaissance survey has determined that shoreline communities including Andoni, Qua-Iboe terminals, Bonny Island, Opobo/Nkoro, and Eastern Obolo, which are in close proximity to the Egina FPSO, have not been impacted so far.
The agency’s spokesperson, Osagie Edward, emphasized the ongoing efforts to manage the spill and mitigate its environmental impact. The incident highlights the complex challenges associated with offshore oil and gas operations and underscores the importance of swift and coordinated responses to such emergencies. Authorities are expected to continue their vigilance and take measures to prevent further environmental damage while addressing the root cause of the spill.
