Keppel Shipyard nears completion of FPSO conversion for SBM

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01-February-2000

Keppel Shipyard will soon complete the conversion of a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel for repeat customer Single Buoy Moorings Inc (SBM). It is one of two conversion projects awarded in 1999 by SBM.

The vessel was renamed Espadarte FPSO at a ceremony held at Keppel Shipyard today.

Keppel Shipyard is also currently working on the conversion of Yetagun FSO, a Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) facility for SBM. It is expected to be completed this month.

"Espadarte FPSO’s conversion has been rewarding on many levels. It not only allows us to refine our skills and experience in conversion projects but also gives us the opportunity to work with a professional team like the one from SBM," said Mr Charles Foo, Managing Director of Keppel Hitachi Zosen.

"The success of this project is largely due to the meticulous attention to detail, tight planning and coordination and good teamwork," he added.

Said Mr Francis Blanchelande, President of SBM, "The Espadarte FPSO is ready and on schedule and I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate our project group for the major effort spent in the realisation of this project, and to congratulate Keppel Shipyard for their performance."

Significant work carried out to the vessel included the installation of an internal turret mooring system and the removal of its existing oil processing and utility systems which were replaced by new oil, water and gas production and treatment facilities on the main deck. The boilers for gas and diesel oil were renewed and a flare tower installed.

A helideck and supply handling deck cranes were also installed along with foundation, walkways, lighting communications and utilities for various deck facilities.

Conversion work on the accommodation, cargo loading and offloading piping together with the fitting of tandem mooring and offloading systems on the stern were also carried out.

Espadarte FPSO also underwent refurbishment and life extension works which allow its effective utilisation of 16 uninterrupted years of service on site without drydocking. Extensive tank coating works were also carried out.

Upon leaving Keppel Shipyard, Espadarte FPSO will be towed to the Espadarte Field off Brazil where it will be operated by SBM for Petrobras.

Single Buoy Moorings has grown to be the largest group involved in leasing FPSO systems to the Oil Industry.

SBM started life in IHC Gusto Shipyard designing and building their first Single Point Mooring which was a runaway success. By 1999, they had built some 300 systems.

In 1972, they installed their mooring system into the first FSO for the Elf Ashtart Field off Tunisia.

In 1976, they integrated their mooring system into the first FPSO for the Shell Castellon Field off Spain.

The conversion of Espadarte FPSO is the 32nd FPSO or FSO conversion undertaken by Keppel Shipyard. The first, in 1981, was SBM’s FPSO II for Amoco in the Philippines.


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