Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) has started receiving gas from the Floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, Kwame Nkrumah, after it was shut down three months ago.

In spite of the recommencement of the FPSO, only 20 Mmscf of gas will be produced compared to the 120 Mmscf it produces before, City Business News reports.

Gas production from this vessel is expected to increase to 50 Mmscf soon, and will run for 30 days.

Two Months ago, Tullow put a stop to operations on the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah after a damaged turret bearing was discovered following scheduled routine maintenance works. This halt in operations resulted in the failure by the company to reach its target in commencing the off-take of gas in April.

The stop also led to a shortfall in the country’s power supply. However, Kwame Nkrumah is to be shut down for another 5 days after the 30 days of production to avoid additional damage on the vessel. This routine is expected to persist till the turret bearing is repaired permanently by the lead operator of the Jubilee oil fields.

Anita Fatunji