SBM Offshore outlines FPSO conversion, decommissioning program

May 9, 2014
SBM Offshore has started to decommission the FPSO Brasil, which recently ceased operating after 11 years of service for Petrobras offshore Brazil.

Offshore staff

MONACOSBM Offshore has started to decommission the FPSO Brasil, which recently ceased operating after 11 years of service for Petrobras offshore Brazil.

The current program is expected to be completed during 3Q 2014. The company will consider scrapping the vessel, with opportunities for a conversion limited.

Another vessel undergoing decommissioning is the FPSOKuito, which served Chevron for 14 years offshore Angola. Again, scrapping appears the likeliest option once SBM finishes its program this summer.

As for newvessels, SBM says integration is progressing of the process modules for FPSO Cidade de Ilhabela at the Brasa yard in Brazil. The first lifting campaign has been completed using the Pelicano 1 heavy-lift floating crane. SBM expects the floater to enter service later this year.

The FPSOsCidade de Maricá and Saquarema are undergoing refurbishment and conversion at a shipyard, with fabrication of the modules under way in Brazil. Start-up of the facilities is slated for end-2015/early 2016.

Refurbishment and conversion of theFPSOStones continues at the shipyard in Singapore. SBM Offshore has also signed an operations and maintenance contract with operator Shell Offshore. The platform will be installed in close to 3,000 m (9,842 ft) of water – a new world record – in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to start up during 1Q 2016.

The FPSON’Goma left the shipyard in Singapore in early May and set sail for Angola where conversion will be completed at the Paenal yard, followed by start-up of the facility later in 2014.

SBM is also supplying three large turrets for the Prelude FLNG, Quad 204, and Ichthys offshore projects. The FLNG turret, under construction in Dubai, should be delivered at the end of this year. Integration of the Quad 204 system with the vessel continues in South Korea, with delivery anticipated by mid-year, while the yard in Singapore should complete the Ichthys turret during 1Q 2015.

Finally, SBM and Encana have settled claims arising to platform construction issues that delayed the Deep Panuke project offshore Nova Scotia. SBM will receive an increased lease rate, and the legal proceedings will be dismissed.

05/09/2014