The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), said it has commenced investigations into an explosion leading to a major fire on an evacuation vessel at Ukpokiti Field, located in oil mining lease (OML 108), in Delta State.
The field is operated by Shebah Exploration & Production Company Ltd. (SEPCOL), a company in receivership (insolvent).
The Commission also said yesterday that there has been no report of any casualty or fatality from the incidence, which occurred on Wednesday.
In a statement, NUPRC assured that it “will take necessary measures to ensure that all safety and environmental measures in line with global best practices to safeguard lives and the environment are put in place.”
Similarly, the management of SEPCOL confirmed fire outbreak at its offshore facility, the FPSO Trinity Spirit, located at the Ukpokiti Terminal, which it described as an “unfortunate incident”.
SEPCOL in a statement issued by its Chief Executive Officer, Ikemefuna Okafor, said: “The cause of the explosion is currently being investigated, and we are working with necessary parties to contain the situation.
“At this time there are no reported fatalities, but we can confirm that there were ten crew men on board the vessel prior to the incident, and we are prioritising investigations with respect to their safety and security.”
The company also appreciated the assistance of the Clean Nigeria Associates, Chevron Nigeria, community stakeholders as well as fishermen, when the incident happened.
NUPRC will take necessary measures to ensure that all safety and environmental measures in line with global best practices to safeguard lives and the environment are put in place.
