SBM Offshore has signed a contract with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (SWS) and China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd. (CSTC), subsidiaries of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC), to build the seventh Fast4Ward® Multi-Purpose Floater (MPF7).
The MPF7 will use SBM Offshore‘s proprietary Fast4Ward® standard hull design for Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. The hull is designed with crude oil storage capacity of up to 2.3 million barrels and can be adapted for a range of offshore operating environments.
According to the companies, the MPF7 will build on the design of previous Fast4Ward® hulls. It will provide accommodation for up to 240 personnel and is designed to meet international offshore standards, with features focused on environmental protection, safety and crew comfort.
The agreement marks the latest project under the long-standing cooperation between SBM Offshore and SWS. According to SBM Offshore, the MPF7 is the 13th MPF hull ordered under its Fast4Ward® program to date.
SBM Offshore Chief Executive Officer Øivind Tangen said the latest order reflects continued demand in the market and the company’s strategy of using standardized hull designs and long-term partnerships to improve project execution, quality and productivity.
SWS Chairman Chen Gang said the MPF7 is the seventh FPSO hull project the shipbuilder has undertaken for SBM Offshore and that the company will deliver the vessel in line with its quality, safety and environmental objectives.