Malaysia-based oil and gas offshore oilfield services provider, Bumi Armada Berhad, launched its Floating Production, Supply and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, the Armada Claire on 8 February 2014. The Armada Claire is owned and operated by Bumi Armada.
The vessel will operate in block WA-49-L of the Balnaves Field, north-west Australia which is owned and operated by Apache Energy Ltd (Apache).
The contract to supply and operate the FPSO was signed with Apache in September 2011 and is for an initial four (4) years fixed term time charter with an option of a further four (4) year annual extension period thereafter. The contract is valued at approximately RM1.46 bil.
The Armada Claire is the first time Bumi Armada will be utilizing a disconnectable turret design which will allow the turret to be disconnected and the vessel moved to safer water in the event of severe weather conditions. It is also Bumi Armada’s first foray into Australia and the first time Bumi Armada has converted and operated a vessel under the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) regulations.
The successful conversion and refurbishment of the Armada Claire was completed at the Keppel Shipyard located in Tuas, Singapore. The Armada Claire took over 5 million man hours to complete with zero loss time injuries (LTIs).
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Bumi Armada, February 11, 2014; Image: