Offshore staff
MONACO – SBM Offshore (AMS:SBMO) has updated its latest FPSO construction programs, three of which are for the Brazilian sector.
Process modules weighing 13,000 tons have been lifted onto theCidade de Paraty FPSO. Currently, the main focus is on integration, hook up, and completion at BrasFELS in Brazil, prior to installation and commissioning offshore. The platform is on schedule to start production this year. It is designed to handle 120,000 b/d of oil with high gas content from a presalt field.
As for the FPSOOSX2, refurbishment and conversion works on the hull have made good progress and fabrication of the modules and turret mooring system is well advanced.
In China, refurbishment and conversion of theFPSOCidade de Ilhabela is advancing as expected. Additional work has been transferred to the yard in Guangzhou prior to sailaway of the vessel to the Brasa dockyard in Brazil.
At Brasa, construction of most of the process modules (22,000 tons in total) has started. The vessel is due to arrive during the second half of 2013, with start-up expected in 2014. It has been designed to produce 150,000 b/d of oil, with processing of associated gas from the presalt field for export.
At the Keppel shipyard in Singapore, first-phase construction is progressing on the FPSON’goma, which should reach the Paenal yard in Angola as scheduled for lifting of the remaining modules and completion work. The 100,000 b/d facility should enter service in 2014.
In addition, SBM is building three large and complex turrets forShell’s Prelude FLNG, BP’s Quad 204, and INPEX’s Ichthys projects. Delivery of first sections starts this year, culminating with completion of the Ichthys superstructure in 2014.
All three turrets are designed to handle high mooring loads; the Prelude turret is 95 m (312 ft) high, with a weight of 11,000 tons; the swivel stack for Quad 204 is engineered for fluid throughput of 320,000 b/d; and the Ichthys turret is designed for 40 years of continuous operation in a harsh offshore environment.
SBM won a contract from Shell for engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and operation of a rigless intervention system (RIS) module on the FPSOEspiritoSanto, servicing the BC-10 field offshore Brazil. The RIS should be operational for a first intervention during 2Q 2014.
Another new contract is for an 8.5-year lease to operate and maintain theFPSOKikeh offshore Malaysia, which involves a tieback of the Siakap North-Petai fields.
As for fixed platform projects, SBM Offshore and Talisman Energy remain in dialogue over the future of theYme jackup platform in the Norwegian North Sea. Problems related to the construction mean that it may have to be decommissioned, although SBM stresses that all options remain open.
Steps have been taken to allow the platform to be remanned, including the repair of grouting. A close visual inspection by a robot has provided good evidence of structural integrity. SBM and Talisman are discussing whether further inspection is needed before teams can board the platform.
SBM has more positive news on another long-delayed project, the jackup platform forEnCana’s Deep Panuke field offshore eastern Canada. Finalization and commissioning is progressing as expected and the platform should be on hire during the first half of 2013, when the field is due to start up.
Remaining works on the platform have been identified and primarily involve re-installation of piping systems, gas leak testing, and commissioning completions.
2/14/2013
