(Ecofin Agency) - The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has estimated a 200,000 barrels per day boost in Nigeria’s crude oil production by Q1 of 2018, with the commissioning of the Umbilical Flow-lines and Risers (UFR) for the Egina Deep Offshore Project.

This was declared during the Load out Ceremony of the UFR for the Egina project by Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited, in Port-Harcourt.

The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Maikanti Baru, said the UFR will enable the drilling of the first oil from the 200, 000 barrels per day Egina field by Q1 of 2018.

He praised Saipem on the successful conclusion of the Egina UFR project. The project included the engineering, procurement, construction, installation and pre-commissioning of 52 km of oil production and water injection flow-lines, 12 flexible jumpers, 2km of oil export line, 20km of gas export pipelines together with the installation and commissioning of 80km of steel tube Umbilical and mooring FPSO and Offshore Loading Terminal.

“What is being celebrated is the efficacy of the Nigerian Content Act and the NNPC is strongly committed to the successful implementation of all provisions of the Act,” he said.

According to the Managing Director of Total, Nicholar Terahz, Egina was the biggest offshore project currently being carried out in the country. The employment opportunities and technology transfer the project created boosted the nation’s economy.

The Egina field, which was discovered in 2003 is situated about 20km from the Akpo Field in the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 130, in a water depth of 1, 750m, Vanguard news reports.

Anita Fatunji