Gato do Mato FPSO hull section heads for China

The FPSO, based on MODEC’s Next Generation Hull design, will operate at the Orca field offshore Brazil.
Related To: 
July 3, 2026
Add Us On Google

Why this news matters:

  • The project marks a key construction milestone for Shell’s Gato do Mato development offshore Brazil, keeping progress on track toward deployment of a 120,000-bbl/d FPSO at the deepwater Orca Field. 

  • MODEC is introducing its "Next Generation Hull" design on a major offshore project for the first time, potentially shaping how future FPSOs are designed and delivered. 

  • The multi-yard fabrication strategy highlights evolving FPSO execution models, with construction work split between Japan and China to improve schedule efficiency, yard utilization and delivery flexibility. 

 

Courtesy MODEC
Gato do Mato FPSO hull section heads for China
Floating production storage and offloading units (FPSOs) are pivotal in offshore oil extraction, especially in remote and deepwater environments, leveraging digital twins, modular...
Dec. 10, 2025

The forward hull section for Shell’s Gato do Mato FPSO has been completed at Sumitomo Heavy Industries’ (SHI-ME) Yokosuka shipyard in Japan.

FPSO supplier MODEC said the structure was now sailing to China, for integration with the aft hull section currently under construction. Use of multiple yards enables parallel fabrication, makes best use of yard capacity and improves project execution, MODEC added.

Soichi Ide, head of the company’s Floating Production Solutions Business Unit, said: “By partnering with SHI-ME on FPSO hull construction for the first time and adopting a multi-yard construction model, we are pioneering a new approach to hull fabrication that expands execution flexibility and strengthens our global delivery capabilities.”

Gato do Mato is the first FPSO to feature the company’s Next Generation Hull (NGH) design. It will be stationed at the Orca field in 2,000 m of water, 200 km south of Rio de Janeiro, using a SOFEC spread mooring system.

The 120,000 b/d capacity FPSO, the 19th FPSO/FSO developed by MODEC for operations offshore Brazil, will also be the second delivered directly for operation at Orc.

Exclusive content:

Courtesy MODEC
FPSO Bacalhau
Rising costs, tighter capital discipline and evolving investor expectations are pushing offshore project financing beyond traditional structures by putting life-cycle value, execution...
June 16, 2026
Courtesy Offshore
Executive Q&A with MODEC's Soichi Ide
MODEC's Soichi Ide provides insights into the future of FPSO design and operations, including the role of digitalization, AI, modular construction and decarbonization strategies...
Sept. 5, 2025

About the Author

Jeremy Beckman
Email

Jeremy Beckman

Editor, Europe

Jeremy Beckman has been Editor Europe, Offshore since 1992. Prior to joining Offshore he was a freelance journalist for eight years, working for a variety of electronics, computing and scientific journals in the UK. He regularly writes news columns on trends and events both in the NW Europe offshore region and globally. He also writes features on developments and technology in exploration and production.

Sign up for our eNewsletters
Get the latest news and updates

Related

Offshore leasing uncertainty drives higher energy costs for US consumers, CEA says
What is floating wind?