SBM Offshore - Experts & Thought Leaders

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.”

The ABS-classed Liza Unity continues to collect industry firsts by receiving the first REMOTE-CON notation for an FPSO from ABS. The REMOTE-CON notation demonstrates the vessel’s alignment with remote-control functions and signifies that the design and construction of the offshore asset are assessed against and adhere to the ABS Requirements for Autonomous and Remote Control Functions.  Liza Unity The Liza Unity is the second FPSO to be built for ExxonMobil Guyana’s Stabroek Block development and the first delivered under SBM Offshore’s Fast4Ward® program. It was also the first FPSO to receive the SUSTAIN-1 notation from ABS, signifying the vessel’s alignment with key elements of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). New class notation Representatives from ABS, SBM Offshore, the operator, and ExxonMobil Guyana, the owner, met at the 2024 OTC Representatives from ABS, SBM Offshore, the operator, and ExxonMobil Guyana, the owner, met at the 2024 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) for an official presentation of the new class notation. “Remote control capabilities have the potential to improve the health, safety, and quality processes on offshore assets,” said John McDonald, ABS President and COO. Remote-control technologies John McDonald adds, "We are proud to use our extensive expertise in the offshore industry to support SBM Offshore with advanced capabilities like remote-control technologies." He continues, "Safety and quality are at the heart of our mission, and we join SBM Offshore and ExxonMobil Guyana in the commitment to exploring innovations for the betterment of offshore energy production." Safety, integrity, and availability “This important milestone in the evolution of our deepwater FPSO operating model has been achieved in close collaboration with ExxonMobil Guyana and ABS,” said Alex Glenn, SBM Offshore COO. He adds, "Remote access and control capabilities are a key component of our strategy to maximise the safety, integrity, and availability of our assets and progress towards our goal of net zero."