Dubai, 8 November — The EMEM floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, built for operations in Nigeria, has been completed at Drydocks World after a delay of at least seven months.
A sailaway ceremony took place at Drydocks World’s Dubai facility, attended by Captain Rado Antolovic, PhD, CEO of Drydocks World; Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, PhD, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Oil; and Dr Muhammadu Indimi, OFR, Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources Limited.
The conversion and refurbishment project was commissioned by World Carrier Corporation (WCC) on behalf of Oriental Energy Resources Limited (OERL). The EMEM FPSO will serve the Okwok oil field in Nigeria’s offshore Petroleum Mining Lease 15.
Drydocks World, a DP World company, carried out a full conversion of the vessel, including major structural modifications, marine system upgrades, and the installation of 19 topside production and utility modules. The work transformed the former oil tanker into an operational offshore production unit.
Captain Rado Antolovic said the project required precision, collaboration and consistent commitment from the start. He added that the FPSO meets the highest international standards and reflects Nigeria’s aspirations for energy independence and sustainable growth across Africa.
The vessel was officially named in December 2024 during a ceremony at Drydocks World, attended by Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and senior representatives from government, industry and partner organisations.
Once in service, the EMEM FPSO will be capable of processing up to 70,000 barrels of total liquids per day, handling about 15 million standard cubic feet of gas daily and storing up to one million barrels of crude oil. Designed to operate for up to 15 years without drydocking, it is expected to begin production in the first quarter of 2026.
Drydocks World said the successful completion of the EMEM FPSO reinforces its experience in offshore vessel refurbishment and conversion, having completed more than 50 major projects, including over 30 FPSOs. The company said the project further supports offshore energy infrastructure across Nigeria and the wider African region.
