SBM Offshore - Experts & Thought Leaders
Latest SBM Offshore news & announcements
The ABS-classed Liza Unity has become the first FPSO in the world to receive the SUSTAIN-2 notation from ABS. The notation is the next level in the vessel sustainability program developed by ABS to help fleets meet the environmental and human elements requirements contained in the strategic Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the United Nations. Usage of low-carbon fuels SUSTAIN-2 recognises additional attributes such as the usage of low-carbon fuels Liza Unity was the first FPSO to receive SUSTAIN-1 in 2021, recognising sustainability-related aspects like pollution control and waste management. SUSTAIN-2 recognises additional attributes such as the usage of low-carbon fuels and human-centered design. “ABS continues to work closely with our clients to develop innovative solutions for new market challenges. With the award of SUSTAIN-2, we are proud to continue to support SBM Offshore and their comprehensive strategy to address sustainability considerations,” said Miguel Hernandez, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Offshore. SBM Offshore’s commitment Alex Glenn, COO at SBM Offshore stated: “We are very proud that Liza Unity has become the first FPSO to be awarded the advanced SUSTAIN-2 notation by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)." "This achievement highlights SBM Offshore’s commitment to protecting the environment by adhering to stringent standards for emissions reduction, pollution management and life cycle sustainability.” SBM Offshore’s Fast4Ward® program The Liza Unity FPSO is owned by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited and operated by SBM Offshore The Liza Unity FPSO is owned by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited and operated by SBM Offshore. It was the second FPSO built for ExxonMobil’s Stabroek Block development in Guyana. It was also the first FPSO delivered under SBM Offshore’s Fast4Ward® program and has an installed production capacity to produce approximately 220,000 barrels of oil per day. Innovation with new technology ABS has a long history of supporting FPSO projects and classed the first FPSO vessel in U.S. waters in 1978. ABS continues to lead in providing guidance on safety and innovation with new technology that supports larger, more complex FPSOs for sustainable operations globally.
Representatives from ABS and IMODCO Terminals SA, a division of SBM Offshore, met at Gastech 2024 where ABS issued approvals in principle (AIPs) for a range of jetty-less New Energy Terminal concepts to move frequent, large-volume ammonia transfers away from shore. IMODCO is applying a proven jetty-less system for moving crude oil to support the supply chain for new fuels such as ammonia. Mitigating ammonia leaks ABS reviewed the designs for IMODCO’s Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) buoy, CALM soft yoke, and Tower Loading Unit (TLU), which offer ammonia carriers a connection to onshore ammonia refineries or storage via subsea pipelines. Conventional pipelines require jetty terminals that are typically located near populated areas. Moving the transfers away from the shoreline via subsea pipe mitigates the risk of ammonia leaks into populated areas. Safe energy transition “ABS is committed to supporting a safe energy transition for the marine and offshore industries,” said Miguel Hernandez, ABS Senior Vice President of Global Offshore. "As ammonia production and transportation are expected to grow rapidly in the coming decades, we must take every step possible to mitigate risks and preserve the environment." Safety and cost efficiency ABS is uniquely positioned to support the safe application of new technologies “Leveraging over 65 years of offshore expertise, IMODCO, representing SBM Offshore, is contributing to a better and safer world by supporting safe ammonia transfers,” said Philippe Lavagna, Product Account Manager for Terminals for New Energies, IMODCO, part of SBM Offshore Group. "In collaboration with key value chain stakeholders, including ABS, we are committed to promoting the use of jetty-less systems to enhance safety and cost efficiency for large and frequent ammonia transfers." Sustainable practices Following the meeting at Gastech 2024, ABS and IMODCO will continue to work together on a portfolio of solutions supporting the global energy transition. As the provider of classification services for the marine and offshore industries, ABS is uniquely positioned to support the safe application of new technologies as the global industry moves toward more sustainable practices.
SBM Offshore and Ocean-Power are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the intent to collaborate on a floating power generation hub with CO2 capture and storage. The purpose of the partnership is to assess the technical feasibility and commercial readiness to collaborate on the concept, exclusive to the Norwegian Continental Shelf and United Kingdom Continental Shelf. Bi-directional transmission structure The offshore power hub will apply Ocean-Power’s proprietary “Blue Power Hub” concept, which generates electricity offshore using gas turbines in association with carbon capture and storage, resulting in significantly lower CO2 emissions. The hub can be used to power offshore assets via submarine cables and electrify the continental shelf with minimal impact on the national grid, all while balancing wind power capacity in a bi-directional transmission structure. The combination of SBM Offshore’s industry-leading offshore experience and Ocean-Power’s technical concept development opens the door to potential joint business development initiatives in the region. Through this collaboration, the companies will aim to further decarbonise offshore power generation and make a concrete contribution to carbon neutrality efforts. Floating energy solutions Olivier Icyk, Chief Business Officer at SBM Offshore commented: “The signing of this Partnership Agreement marks another step forward to support global decarbonisation efforts in our industry. This opportunity capitalises on both parties’ strengths, and we are pleased to partner up with Ocean-Power, a new player whose development complements our leading expertise in floating energy solutions.” Erling Ronglan, CEO at Ocean-Power commented: “We are very pleased to establish a new partnership with SBM Offshore, a leading offshore technology provider. Combining the expertise of both companies will be an important step towards electrifying the continental shelf without stressing the national grids. With this agreement, we will accelerate our path towards the 2030 CO2 reduction targets.”