Location

Zafiro Offshore Oil Terminal (3°51'N., 8°07'E.) is located about 22 miles SSE of Qua Iboe Offshore Terminal and 37 miles W of Punta Europa (3°48'N., 8°43'E.), the NW extremity of Isla de Bioko. It is under the jurisdiction of Equatorial Guinea.

The terminal consists of a Floating Production Storage and Offshore (FPSO) facility (Zafiro Producer), a production platform (Jade), a storage tanker (Magnolia), and an SPM to which the export tankers are moored. It is situated in depths of 70 to 300m and can handle vessels up to 310,000 dwt.

Pilotage is compulsory. Pilots, who act as mooring masters, can be contacted by VHF and board about 4 miles N of the terminal. Pilots may also board by helicopter. Berthing is carried out by daylight only but vessels may depart at any time.

Vessels must send an ETA to the terminal 96 hours, 72 hours, 48 hours, and 24 hours in advance. 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 contact the FPSO (Zafiro Producer) when within VHF range.

A restricted area, with a radius of 4.3 miles, surrounds the terminal. Vessels must receive permission to enter this area. Vessels must fly the Equatorial Guinea national ensign during daylight when moored at the terminal.

A designated anchorage area, with a depth of 64m, lies about 6 miles N of the terminal.

Caution.—Thunder and lightning are common during the rainy season and may delay cargo operations.

Vessels approaching the terminal from the W must remain clear of the Nigerian offshore terminals and the restricted area located in the vicinity of Odudu Oil Terminal prior to adjusting course for the terminal.