ABS has awarded approval in principle (AiP) to Hanwha Ocean for its Pre-FEED Standard FPSO Design for deepwater deployments offshore West Africa.

The proposed vessel is 340 m long with a production capacity of 190,000 bbl/d and crude storage of about 2.38 MMbbl/d.

The topsides can also accommodate gas production facilities. The hull is designed to operate for up to 20 years without having to undergo dry docking.

To comply with stricter environmental regulations, the FPSO would incorporate measures such as zero-flaring, greenhouse-gas monitoring and an energy management system.

All the equipment would be electrified to lessen operating costs throughout the vessel’s lifespan, with integrated digital solutions such as cybersecurity, a digital twin and predictive maintenance.

A spokesman for Hanwha Ocean Engineering said, “We anticipate continued growth in demand for offshore plants, particularly in West Africa and South America.”