Early Production System (EPS) Barge Movement

EPS barge movement and installation at Olero was initiated to continue the flow and production of oil at the platform because of the damage to the existing production facilities at the area during the 2003 crisis in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The EPS is a concept designed to continue the flow and production of oil pending completion of the damaged facilities. The movement of barge was preceded by channel check, movement was designed to avoid all observed obstacles and navigational hazards. The datum was based on the 1m mark at GB-3 location, Olero Creek. Prior to the pre-survey of EPS barge movement, dredging of the project area at Olero Creek production platform slot and access was carried out because of the high build-up of siltation in the area. The pre-survey included the topographic and bathymetric appraisal of the entire flow station area. The information was used to reappraise the setting out of the layout before sand dropping and to design the sand padding to accommodate the overlap including loses. Positioning of the barge was tied to the tidal situation, while the movement was synchronized with tidal motion to avert the possibility of being dragged back by tide.