SBM Completes First Fast4Ward® Liza Unity

December 29, 2019 | Oil & Gas | Energy Facts Staff Writer | 2min

SBM Offshore’s first generic hull, the Multi-Purpose Floater (MPF1) has sailed away from the Chinese yard SWS. This first, new build hull is part of SBM Offshore´s industry-changing, Fast4Ward® program and represents a significant milestone on the path to delivering the Company’s first standardized FPSO. Once the completed hull arrives in the Singapore based yard, it is ready to move onto the next phase – mooring and topsides integration.

The hull was completed in less than two years from first steel cut in March 2018. The MPF1 hull was allocated to the Liza Unity FPSO for offshore Guyana, following Final Investment Decision (FID) by ExxonMobil in May 2019. This milestone is in line with SBM Offshore’s client project schedule, which targets Liza Phase 2 start-up in early 2022.

Previously released information:

  • SBM Offshore ordered the MPF1 hull on speculation with SWS in July 2017, followed by several months of detailed engineering. Subsequent hulls will gain on schedule, as the engineering phase will be reduced. SBM Offshore currently has five MPFs in the construction phase in two yards in China, following the announcement in December 2019 for the order of two additional hulls.
  • In May 2019, SBM Offshore was awarded contracts for the next phase of the Liza project in Guyana. Under these contracts, SBM Offshore will construct, install and thereafter lease and operate for up to two years the Liza Unity FPSO. This followed completion of front-end engineering studies, receipt of requisite government approvals and the final investment decision (FID) on the project by ExxonMobil and block co-venturers.
  • Liza Unity will be the second FPSO for our client’s Liza project in Guyana.
  • The Liza Unity FPSO design is based on the Fast4Ward® program with a new build, multi-purpose hull combined with several standardized topsides modules. Basic Design Approval has been given by both Bureau Veritas and ABS.
  • The FPSO is designed to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day, to have associated gas treatment capacity of 400 million cubic feet per day and water injection capacity of 250,000 barrels per day. The FPSO will be spread moored in water depth of about 1,600 meters and will be able to store around 2 million barrels of crude oil.
  • The Liza field is located in the Stabroek block circa 200 kilometers offshore Guyana. EEPGL is the operator and holds a 45 percent interest in the Stabroek block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds a 30 percent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds a 25 percent interest.