Page 21: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Jan/Feb 2020)

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“THE FPSO MARKET

IS BACK WITH NINE

FPSOS AWARDED [AS OF

MID-DECEMBER 2019],

REACHING LEVELS THAT THE

INDUSTRY HAD PREVIOUSLY

IN THE PERIOD 2010-2014.”

SÉVERINE BAUDIC

MANAGING DIRECTOR,

FLOATING PRODUCTION

SOLUTIONS, SBM OFFSHORE

Source: SBM Offshore er topside weights and is a more standardized product.” needs, SBM Offshore was able to ? ne-tune its designs and

When comparing a newbuild Fast4Ward FPSO to achieve higher levels of standardization.

a conventional tanker conversion, Baudic said perfor- “With regards to the hull, the level of standardization mance and greater production capacity are the main we have reached on ongoing projects is remarkably high. drivers. “The Fast4Ward hull design offers up to 250,000 Very little modi? cations have been required. This is evi- barrels of oil per day (bopd), which is a signi? cant step dence that our standard design works and is embraced change. To date our largest conversion FPSOs have a by the major players. Of course, the risers interface re- production capacity of 150,000 bopd.” mains speci? c to each project as it depends on the subsea

SBM Offshore orders the standardized Fast4Ward layout and the offshore installation contractor. However, ? oater hulls on speculation, before a contract is secured. our design is modular enough to accommodate those

Later, the customer will choose between internal turret, speci? cs with minimum impact to the hull.

external turret or spread moored con? gurations, and se- “On topsides, we are also reaching a high level of stan- lect from SBM’s range of generic and bespoke topsides dardization for all utility modules, which tend to repeat modules based on client and project requirements. Hav- from one project to another, such as power generation, ing construction already underway ahead of contract electrical room, seawater treatment or water injec- signing shortens lead times, and ultimately reduces time tion modules. For the process modules, we standardize to ? rst oil. “The Fast4Ward program standardizes ? oat- what can be standardized, i.e. the module architecture ing production systems as much as possible, with knock- (the footprint, ? oor elevations, etc.), the position of on savings in the procurement and construction phases, main equipment on the module, and the de? nition of resulting in a reduction in delivery time of between six the equipment, to leverage standardization of our sup- and 12 months,” Baudic said. ply chain as well. We have entered a virtuous cycle of

But, for the “design one, build many” concept to work standardization where new modules are developed to most effectively, early engagement with customers while ? t operators’ new requirements and are included in our laying the groundwork for Fast4Ward was essential, Bau- catalogue of solutions. They can then be used on other dic said. With a better idea of client challenges and future FPSOs for other ? eld developments.”

Source: SBM Offshore

JANUARY/fEBRUARY 2020 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 21