Tullow Ghana and its partners have announced a scheduled 16-day maintenance shutdown of the Jubilee Oil Field, set to begin on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
The planned exercise is intended to boost production efficiency, upgrade key operations, and reduce operational risks in the offshore oil field, which remains a significant contributor to Ghana’s oil and gas industry.
Central to the maintenance effort is the Kwame Nkrumah Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, which will undergo critical repairs and upgrades. The maintenance will include retooling essential equipment, conducting leak tests, and enhancing the vessel’s facilities to accommodate an increase in gas export capacity.
These measures aim to optimize output and ensure the longevity of the FPSO, which has been in operation since 2010. The shutdown also follows the successful completion of a 4D seismic survey on both the Jubilee and TEN (Tweneboa, Enyenra, Ntomme) fields.
This advanced survey technology allows Tullow Ghana to analyze reservoir changes over time, identify new drilling prospects, and make data-driven decisions for future exploration. The findings are expected to support long-term resource sustainability and optimize recovery from the fields.
To mitigate the impact of the shutdown on Ghana’s energy supply, Tullow Ghana has reached an agreement with the government to source gas temporarily from the TEN fields during the maintenance period. This strategy is intended to maintain a stable supply of gas to power producers, industrial users, and the wider economy.
Energy experts view the move as crucial in avoiding disruptions in power generation, particularly at a time when Ghana seeks to strengthen its energy security.
The maintenance shutdown is also a precursor to a mini-drilling campaign scheduled for May 2025. The campaign aims to explore new production wells and further maximize the output of the Jubilee and TEN fields.
With global oil prices showing signs of volatility, efforts to optimize production and expand resource potential are seen as timely and strategic.
Tullow Ghana has assured stakeholders that safety remains a top priority during the shutdown, with strict adherence to international standards to prevent environmental harm.
The company has also engaged local suppliers and contractors to ensure that the economic benefits of the maintenance activities are shared with the Ghanaian workforce.
The Jubilee Oil Field, discovered in 2007, has been a pivotal asset for Ghana’s oil and gas sector, contributing significantly to the nation’s revenue and energy supply.
The ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance production capabilities underscore the importance of sustainable resource management as Ghana positions itself as a key player in the regional oil and gas industry.
