Press Conference On FSO Nabarima - Thursday October 22nd 2020

Key Points From Press Conference On The Status Of The FSO Nabarima - Thursday October 22nd 2020 Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Franklin Khan, said he is "very pleased" with the official report on the FSO Nabarima after speculation arose that the oil tanker was tilting in the Gulf of Paria, and posed a threat to the environment. The report of the FSO Nabarima, which is situated in Venezuelan waters, follows a site visit earlier this week by a TT delegation comprising a Senior Petroleum Engineer at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, an Engineering Officer/Mechanical Engineer from the Coast Guard, and a Port State Inspector from the Maritime Services Division of the Ministry of Works and Transport. Among the major conclusions: 1. The FSO Nabarima is upright and stable with no visible tilt. There is no imminent risk of tilting or sinking. 2. There is no water ingress. 3. There was no mixing of bilge water and therefore minimal risk of an oil spill at this time. Minister Khan said the TT delegation was satisfied with maintenance of the vessel. All systems on the FSO Nabarima appeared to be functional but some pumps were under repair at the time of the visit. Minister Khan said Venezuelan officials were honest about the failings on the tanker. They also showed the TT delegation their oil spill contingency plan. The Energy Minister said the TT delegation was treated with respect on the visit. High ranking members of the Venezuelan Government met them before proceeding to the FSO Nabarima. The TT delegation spent about three and a half hours inspecting the oil tanker. Minister Khan said the FSO Nabarima has been operating for over 10 years in the area, without fuss. However, since the US imposed sanctions on Venezuela, crude could not be exported, and therefore the tanker had oil stored on board. Efforts will be made for a follow-up site visit to the FSO Nabarima in about a month’s time. A request has already been initiated by the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs.