Trans Forcados pipeline (also referred to as Trans-Forcados pipeline, Trans Forcados oil pipeline) is a major oil pipeline in Nigeria's Niger Delta. The 48-inch, underwater pipeline spans across 87-kilometres and has a capacity of over 200,000 to 240,000 barrels of oil per day. [1] [2] It transports oil, water and associated gas from fields in the western delta to the Forcados oil terminal. [3] It is operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and belongs to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). [4]
In January 2015, Trans Forcados pipeline was vandalised at Oteghele axis in Bayelsa State and caused a crude oil spill in the area. [5]
In February 2016, Trans Forcados was shut down after it was bombed by the Niger Delta Avengers. It was first attack on a Nigerian subsea pipeline. [6] After repairs were carried out, a militant attack affected its loading program in October 2016. [7] In July 2017, BusinessDay reported that the pipeline was being shut down for the third time in one month. [8]
In May 2018, Trans Forcados shut down for repairs of a minor leak. [9] The Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation disclosed that more than $32 million was spent this year on repairs to the pipeline in 2018.
On May 19, 2019, a fire incident was reported at the crude oil spill site along the Trans Forcados pipeline in Yeye community. [10] The fire raged till May 21, 2019. [11] Operations were resumed on May 24, 2019. [12]
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