SBM awarded FPSO contracts for Payara

SBM Offshore has been awarded contracts to construct Exxon Mobil’s new Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel for the Payara Development Project which was approved on Wednesday. Through these contracts, several Guyanese companies will receive employment.

In a release on Thursday, SBM Offshore was pleased to announce that Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), an affiliate of Exxon Mobil, has confirmed the award of contracts.

Under these contracts, SBM Offshore will construct, install and then lease and operate the Prosperity FPSO for a period of up to two years, after which the FPSO ownership and operation will transfer to EEPGL. The award follows completion of front-end engineering and design studies, completion of the multi-purpose hull, receipt of requisite government approvals and the final investment decision on the project by ExxonMobil and block co-venturers.

“As a result of the award from EEPGL, SBM Offshore also anticipates the award of contracts to Guyanese companies for work to be performed in Guyana. For example, the Company is looking at executing scope for fabrication and coating of a portion of the light structural steel for the FPSO in Guyana, which would be a first for SBM Offshore in country. Additionally, SBM Offshore is preparing to recruit and employ Guyanese engineers into the Payara project team. Both activities are focused on development of Guyanese capacity, building on efforts to date for the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity FPSOs,” SBM Offshore said in a release.

The Prosperity FPSO will utilize a design that largely replicates the design of the Liza Unity FPSO. As such, the design is based on SBM Offshore’s industry leading Fast4Ward® program that incorporates the Company’s new build, multi-purpose hull combined with several standardized topsides modules. The FPSO will be designed to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day, will 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 1,900 meters and will be able to store around 2 million barrels of crude oil.

Meanwhile, the Payara project is the third development within the Stabroek block, 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.