The Petroleum Commission has held a stakeholder engagement with Tullow Ghana Limited and key maritime, security and regulatory agencies to review a proposal to introduce fast crew boats for offshore personnel transfer.
The engagement, which took place last Friday, formed part of the Commission’s established regulatory review and assurance process. The meeting was convened to enable regulators and stakeholders interrogate the technical, operational and safety considerations underpinning the proposed project.
Chairing the meeting on behalf of the Ag. CEO of the Petroleum Commission, Ms. Emeafa Hardcastle, the Ag. Deputy CEO, Mr. Nasir Alfa Mohammed, highlighted the importance of thorough stakeholder consultation and regulatory scrutiny in safeguarding offshore operations.
“This engagement is intended to allow regulators and stakeholders to carefully review the information submitted, seek clarification on the technical and safety assessments, and interrogate the key assumptions underlying the proposal,” Mr. Mohammed said.
He further emphasised that the engagement should not be misconstrued as regulatory approval.
“It is important to stress that this meeting does not constitute approval or a final decision on the project. It is part of our established review and assurance process to ensure that all proposed offshore operations meet the required safety, technical and regulatory standards,” he noted.
During the session, Tullow Ghana Limited provided background to the proposed project, explaining that the initiative builds on earlier engagements with the Commission, including updates on project concept development, preliminary design considerations and initial safety evaluations.
Discussions focused on vessel design and suitability, crew transfer mechanisms, weather and operational limits, journey duration, personnel safety, emergency response and medical evacuation arrangements, as well as interfaces with existing offshore infrastructure.
Stakeholders present at the meeting included representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, the Ghana Navy, Marine Police, Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and the Ghana Health Service. Participants sought clarification on landing arrangements, vessel performance under prevailing sea conditions, security and access control, luggage handling, and contingency measures in the event of operational disruptions.
Tullow Ghana Limited clarified that helicopter operations remain in place and that no decision has been taken to fully replace aviation support at this stage.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Mohammed reiterated the Commission’s unwavering commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
The meeting concluded with an agreement that additional information and clarifications would be provided to support the Commission’s ongoing assessment, with further engagements to be held as necessary.