Converted, fully refurbished tanker-turned-FPSO headed for Nigeria

DP World-subsidiary Drydocks World has carried out a comprehensive refurbishment and conversion of a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel at its Dubai facility.

The project on Oriental Energy Resources’ Emem FPSO involved major structural modifications, full marine system upgrades, and installing and integrating 19 topside production and utility modules, transforming the former oil tanker into a fully operational FPSO.

World Carrier Corp commissioned Drydocks World to undertake the tanker conversion project on behalf of Oriental Energy Resources.

Emem FPSO will be able to process up to 70,000 barrels of total liquids per day, manage roughly 424,750 m³ of gas daily and store up to 1M barrels of crude oil. It is expected to remain in production for at least 15 years, from Q1 2026.

“Emem FPSO represents a convergence of global engineering and local ambition,” said Drydocks World chief executive Rado Antolovic.

“From its inception, Emem FPSO required precision and cross-disciplinary collaboration. We have handed over an asset that meets the highest international standards and reflects Nigeria’s aspirations for energy independence and sustainable growth across Africa.”

A sail-away ceremony for Emem FPSO was held at Drydocks World on 8 November 2025, attended by key figures, including Capt Rado, Nigeria’s minister for oil Heineken Lokpobiri and Oriental Energy Resources chairman Muhammadu Indimi, plus other executives from relevant stakeholders.

The vessel will be towed from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nigeria by a fleet of tugboats after Drydocks World completed the vessel’s construction. Once it arrives, Emem FPSO will be installed in the Gulf of Guinea to support production of the Okwok oil and gas field in petroleum mining lease 15, offshore Nigeria.