“Drilling Companies in Bayelsa No Longer Need Onne Port”—FMES Chairman, High Chief Penawou
Oredola Adeola
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has called for collaboration with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to dredge the Birogo River, home to the First Marine and Engineering Service (FMES) Logistics Base in Ogu, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
The initiative. according to the Board, aims to enhance access to Bayelsa State and create more opportunities for oil and gas companies.
According to the management of the FMEL base, dredging the river would allow larger vessels to reach Yenagoa, positioning the state capital as a critical hub for marine and oil industries while driving economic growth.
This proposal was a key highlight during a site visit to the First Marine and Engineering Services Limited (FMES) logistics base, as part of activities marking the recently concluded 13th Practical Nigerian Content Forum (PNC), organized by the NCDMB.
Barr. Esueme Kikile, General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), while commenting on the strategic advantages of the FMES base, stated that the facility provides the shortest route to any part of Bayelsa, Rivers, and some parts of Delta State.
He described the tour as part of the Practical Nigerian Content programme aimed at showcasing functional Nigerian assets and their capacity for excellence.
According to him, the management of the company has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring safety and addressing security challenges, assuring clients of a secure and efficient operation.
Kikile acknowledged that while the NCDMB may not have the resources to directly dredge the river, he emphasized that the Board would actively collaborate with relevant government agencies to support efforts aimed at improving access to Bayelsa State for oil and gas operations.
“We will advocate for the government to ensure that Bayelsa is fully opened up. Revitalizing and maximizing the jetty service for oil and gas operators in the region, as well as facilitating logistics for operations in swampy areas and offshore Bayelsa, can drive significant economic growth in the area,” he stated.
“This facility, previously occupied by Ogu Logistics Base and acquired by First Marine Engineering Services in 2018, has seen significant improvements in capacity and services. It demonstrates the remarkable progress local companies have made, showcasing corporate governance and industry consciousness essential for sustainable business growth,” Kikile explained.
He encouraged companies operating in Bayelsa, parts of Rivers, and Delta’s territorial waters to take advantage of the facility.
“This is the shortest route for logistics and other services you may require in this region,” he concluded.
High Chief Joseph Penawou, Chairman of First Marine Engineering Services (FMES), in his comment during a tour of the facility, explained that the noble idea of logistic base had received recommendations from the NNPCL and NAPIMS, directing and approving that all oil companies operating in Bayelsa, including International Oil Companies (IOCs), should patronize the base.
He added that the tariff the company operates was approved by NAPIMS, ensuring compliance.
The Chairman stated that the company’s goal is to serve Yenagoa, emphasizing that drilling companies operating in the Bayelsa axis no longer need to depend on Onne Port.
According to him, the FMES logistics base provides a one-stop-shop for end-to-end shore-based logistics services.
“These include marine load-out, jetty services, security, boat operations, and extensive warehousing capacity.
“The facility features a 21-meter-wide jetty with a 2000-tonne capacity, strategically positioned to support project operations.
“It offers open and covered storage facilities, climate-controlled warehouses, and overhanging roof warehouses for diverse material storage needs. Equipment such as cranes, forklifts, and load-belt trucks are available to handle inventories efficiently.
“Additionally, FMES boasts a fabrication and assembly yard, including a 3000-square-meter open fabrication area and a 2700-square-meter fabrication shop. The blast station covers 1900 square meters, complemented by a steel structure workshop.
“With an annual fabrication capacity of 3000 tonnes for structural steel and pipes, the base supports load-in and load-out after fabrication through its jetty.
“The draft of our logistics base is 2.8 meters, enabling us to move materials such as pipes to drilling fields seamlessly.
“Our facilities are well-equipped to handle a range of vessels, including offshore supply vessels and smaller cargo ships.
He stated that dredging of the river will ensure that the channel and berths maintain adequate depth for operations,” the Chairman added.
Engr. Joseph Uwuigbe, Director of Projects and Operations at FMES Ltd, who led stakeholders on a tour of the facility, explained that the base is situated approximately 20 nautical miles from the open sea and provides load-out services to drilling fields across Bayelsa, Rivers, and parts of Delta states.
He said, “We provide accommodation for staff, catering services, and on-site facilities for vessel refueling and transloading of petroleum products.
“With our bunkering operations and petroleum storage capacity, we are fully equipped to support the needs of oil and gas companies in the region.”
Uwuigbe further noted, “The base is open for business, offering end-to-end services, including competence in health, safety, and environmental practices, as well as leadership with full attention from the senior management team. We are committed to ensuring the success of our partners.”
He added, “We have the equipment to move materials and tools to various locations, and our jetty has a capacity of 2,000 tonnes.
“We also handle fueling for vessels, with our fuel dump facility capable of storing over 197,000 liters of AGO and 16,000 liters of PMS. Our draft of about 2.8 meters allows us to load pipes and equipment for drilling fields.”
Uwuigbe also emphasized the logistical advantages of using FMES: “For companies operating in Bayelsa, using this base can reduce travel time by almost two days compared to Onne Port.
“While Onne handles the initial clearance of goods, materials can be moved here for further processing and servicing, offering significant cost savings and logistical efficiency.”
The FMES Director of Projects and Operations, further explained that the logistic base has the potential to mirror the activities of Onne Port, providing a cost-effective alternative with quicker turnaround times and efficient operations.
Advisors Reports revealed that the facility serves as a strategic hub for IOCs operating in Bayelsa State, providing a launch point for offshore operations and facilitating access to the Escravos terminal.
The base is noted for its cost-effective and efficient solutions, offering significant savings compared to other facilities in the region, which are reported to be up to ten times more expensive.
