Etame Terminal (3°45'S., 10°31'E.) is situated about 29 miles WNW of Pointe Banco and consists of a Floating Production Storage and Offshore (FPSO) facility. The FPSO (Petroleo Nautipa) is moored in a depth of 76m and tankers berth bow-to-bow with it. Vessels up to 150,000 dwt can be handled.

Pilotage is compulsory. Pilots, who act as mooring masters, can be contacted by VHF and board about 2 miles ENE of the FPSO. Berthing is carried out only during daylight hours. Vessels may depart at any time but daylight is preferred. Vessels should send an initial ETA on departure from the previous port. Vessels should confirm the ETA 72 hours, 48 hours, and 24 hours prior to arrival. Changes of 6 hours or more to the ETA must be reported immediately. Changes of 1 hour or more to the ETA following the 24-hour message must be reported immediately. Vessels should then contact the FPSO by VHF 2 hours prior to arrival and report their draft, trim, capacity for loading, details of ballast and time required for discharge, maximum freeboard, quality of inert gas, and any other relevant information.

The Etame Terminal, which is operated by Vaalco, Gabon, may be contacted by e-mail, as follows: oim.nautipa@sg.prosafe.com

A restricted area, with a radius of 2 miles, is centered on the FPSO. Vessels are prohibited from entering this area without prior permission from the terminal. There is no designated anchorage area. Vessels may anchor or drift at their discretion. The predominent current in the vicinity of the terminal sets ENE at a rate of 0.5 to 2 knots.

Caution.—Vessels approaching the terminal from the NW or SE are advised to stay well offshore to avoid the oil and gas
development activities, most of which take place in depths of less than 200m.

Location