Tullow Ghana and its partners have officially announced a planned maintenance shutdown of the Jubilee oil field, set to commence on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, for a duration of 16 days.
The scheduled shutdown is part of efforts to enhance operational efficiency, boost production capacity, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the field.
According to Jean-Medard Madama, Managing Director of Tullow Ghana, the maintenance work is critical to optimizing the field’s performance and ensuring the safety of operations.
“This maintenance shutdown is a very important step to protect and maintain our field assets and enhance production efficiency at the Jubilee field.
“It also reflects our role as lead operator of Ghana’s main oil fields and our commitment to developing Ghana’s resources in a responsible manner that creates value for all stakeholders.”
Jean-Medard Madama, Managing Director of Tullow Ghana
During the shutdown, Tullow Ghana will undertake essential upgrades on the Kwame Nkrumah Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.
Key activities will include retooling major equipment, conducting leak tests, and expanding infrastructure to accommodate increased gas exports. These measures aim to extend the FPSO’s operational lifespan and maximize output efficiency.
To mitigate the impact of the temporary shutdown on Ghana’s domestic gas supply, Tullow Ghana and its partners have reached an agreement with the government to ensure that gas exports from the Jubilee field are temporarily sourced from the Tweneboa, Enyenra, and Ntomme (TEN) fields during the maintenance period.
This arrangement will ensure uninterrupted gas supply to power plants and industrial users in Ghana.
The scheduled maintenance follows Tullow Ghana’s recent completion of a 4D seismic survey of the Jubilee and TEN fields.
This advanced mapping technique is expected to identify new drilling opportunities, optimize reservoir management, and secure long-term resource development.
Additionally, the upgrades will pave the way for an upcoming mini-drilling campaign set to begin in May 2025. This campaign is expected to expand production levels and increase oil recovery rates from the Jubilee field.
Ensuring Minimal Disruptions to Operations
Despite the temporary shutdown, Tullow Ghana has assured stakeholders that the necessary steps are in place to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth transition back to full production.
“We have taken proactive steps to ensure that this planned maintenance is completed efficiently, and all critical systems are tested and optimized for future performance.”
Jean-Medard Madama, Managing Director of Tullow Ghana
The company also emphasized its commitment to safety and environmental responsibility, ensuring that all procedures during the shutdown meet international industry standards.
The Jubilee field remains one of Ghana’s most significant oil-producing assets, contributing substantially to the nation’s petroleum revenue and energy security.
The maintenance shutdown is expected to deliver long-term benefits by enhancing field productivity, reducing operational risks, and ensuring sustainable resource extraction.
Tullow Ghana has also reassured key stakeholders, including the Ghanaian government, local businesses, and energy sector players, that it remains committed to delivering value through responsible resource management.
The scheduled maintenance shutdown of the Jubilee field, while temporary, marks an important step in strengthening Ghana’s oil and gas industry.
With infrastructure upgrades, improved production efficiency, and a strategic focus on sustainability, Tullow Ghana and its partners are positioning the Jubilee field for long-term growth and economic impact.
As the May 2025 drilling campaign approaches, industry analysts will closely monitor how these upgrades contribute to Ghana’s overall energy sector performance.
