Shell will halt operations at the Bonga FPSO, cutting Nigeria’s crude exports by 225,000 barrels daily.
The company confirmed the shutdown on Sunday and explained that scheduled turnaround maintenance will protect long-term operations.
Shell Shuts Bonga FPSO
Importantly, Bonga stands as one of Nigeria’s largest deepwater fields, driving stable oil output and national revenue.
Consequently, the maintenance will pause production until March, when the facility will resume full operation.
SNEPCo highlighted that the work safeguards the FPSO’s integrity while ensuring reliable performance and safety.
“The exercise reduces unplanned deferments, improves efficiency, and strengthens the asset’s resilience,” said Managing Director Adams.
Milestones And Maintenance
Moreover, on February 1, 2023, the Bonga field produced its one billionth barrel of oil since 2005.
This milestone demonstrates the facility’s crucial role in Nigeria’s deepwater portfolio and economic stability.
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The programme aims to keep the FPSO reliable for another 15 years, ensuring consistent output.
Located 120 kilometres offshore, the facility operates in water depths exceeding 1,000 metres, demanding specialised expertise.
Its last major maintenance occurred in October 2022, showing the necessity of regular upkeep for ageing offshore assets.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has struggled to maintain oil production due to ageing infrastructure, oil theft, and underinvestment.
Strategic Role And Future
Therefore, turnarounds like Bonga’s sustain output while supporting new fields and subsea developments.
Currently, the maintenance team conducts inspections, engineering upgrades, regulatory compliance checks, and subsea assurance work.
Additionally, the Bonga North subsea project, approved in 2024, will increase production, making this maintenance strategically vital.
The FPSO produces 225,000 barrels of oil and 150 million standard cubic feet of gas daily.
Operated by SNEPCo with partners Esso and Nigerian Agip, the asset underpins Nigeria’s energy security and economic stability.
For nearly 20 years, Bonga has supplied reliable output, boosted revenue, and strengthened the country’s deepwater expertise.
