The Bahamas-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC) Tina has arrived at Singapore’s Keppel Shipyard where it will be converted into an FPSO unit for SBM Offshore and then used to develop ExxonMobil’s Liza field offshore Guyana.
Following SBM Offshore’s completion of the Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) and a final investment decision on the Liza Phase 1 Development project by ExxonMobil in June 2017, SBM on Tuesday announced the next step in its scope for the floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO).
The arrival of the tanker, ultimately destined for the Liza Phase 1 project in Guyana, marks the start of the FPSO conversion phase, SBM Offshore said.
Keppel secured a contract for the conversion of a VLCC into an FPSO, which will be deployed to the Liza field, back in October. As recently reported by Offshore Energy Today, Keppel’s work scope, which was planned to start by the end of this year, includes refurbishment and life extension works, such as the upgrading of living quarters, fabrication and installation of spread mooring systems, as well as the installation and integration of topside modules.
Bernard van Leggelo , SBM Offshore FPSO Managing Director, said: “With the arrival of the tanker we now begin in earnest the construction phase of the journey that SBM Offshore is on. We will leverage our in-depth experience with over 34 FPSO projects to date. Our objective is to safely deliver the Liza FPSO in partnership with our client and the experienced team at Keppel by working together as one team. SBM is proud to play its part for this major project by laying the foundation for the first FPSO for our client’s offshore development in Guyana.”
The FPSO is designed to produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day, will have associated gas treatment capacity of circa 170 million cubic feet per day and water injection capacity of circa 200,000 barrels per day. The converted VLCC FPSO will be spread moored in water depth of 1,525 meters and will be able to store 1.6 million barrels of crude oil.
The Liza field is located in the Stabroek block, which covers almost 27,000 square kilometers, circa 200 kilometers offshore Guyana. Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds a 45 percent interest in the Stabroek block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds a 30 percent interest, and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds a 25 percent interest.
Offshore Energy Today Staff