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As offshore oil & gas production moves into deeper water and more remote locations, floating production storage & offloading (FPSO) units have become increasingly prevalent. And since Wood Group has been involved in some form with nearly 60 percent (70 of 120) of the FPSOs currently in service around the world, the company is well-positioned for future business opportunities.
"It's a bold statement, but I believe Wood Group could potentially have broader FPSO experience than any other company," claims Bill Cochrane, director of field operations development for Wood Group Engineering & Production Facilities.
Unlike other installations, producers believe an FPSO's value increases over time. They are moveable, which lowers commissioning costs, and they are versatile for use in smaller reservoirs. And some companies believe that as an FPSO becomes a proven unit through five or 10 years of service on a field, the vessel appreciates in value.
Wood Group's track record as a leading FPSO specialist is the result of stellar work on the part of subsidiaries such as documentation provider ODL. The company has built a workforce of experienced employees, including former offshore installation managers, production superintendents, master mariners and chief engineers. And since FPSOs have a relatively quick turnaround from design and construction to first oil - another reason for their increased visibility within the industry - ODL can use that in-house experience to speed the process along. "We seldom start from a blank sheet of paper," said Alan Hogg, senior operations director for ODL. "As FPSO projects tend to be fast-tracked, it allows us to deliver projects quickly."
Wood Group company Alliance Engineering has devised a solution to meet the fast-track FPSO demand through its standardized design kit: a comprehensive database of proven designs and layouts with uniform approaches to address most conditions. It offers a range of advantages, such as shortening design schedules and reducing engineering costs while improving project design and minimizing risks.
Alliance's engineering team has a range of experience in FPSO design, having participated in more than 15 world-class projects for operators and FPSO contractors, including the following vessels:
- Flumiñense for Shell in Brazil
- Su Tu Den for ConocoPhillips in Vietnam
- Umuroa for Prosafe in New Zealand
- Jubilee for Tullow Oil in Ghana
And sister companies are available to fill other design needs along the way:
- The FPSO vessel connects to the seabed via flexible mooring lines and risers - two areas in which J P Kenny and MCS are industry leaders.
- ODL has provided operational and maintenance technical documentation, management systems and training services for roughly 30 FPSOs worldwide.
- Deepwater Specialists Inc. provides complete commissioning solutions, including project management, certification and handover. Most recently DSI provided commissioning support for Shell's Bonga FPSO located offshore Nigeria.
Wood Group is also looking at different ways in which the vessels might be utilized by producers. Our proprietary technology for a regasification production kit is currently being studied for application on floating storage and re-gasification units (FSRUs). We have also taken a leading role in designing an LNG liquefaction process capable of being installed on a ship hull and have a patent pending for nitrogen-based liquefaction technology for chilling gas. "We're always looking for ways to ensure the client has the right type of platform for each project," said Matt Sellers, business development manager for Mustang.
Wood Group's global reach and range of expertise across multiple disciplines will make the company a major factor in the success of FPSOs worldwide.
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