Dubai: Drydocks World has been awarded the contract for the refurbishment and life extension of the FPSO Baobab Ivoirien, by MODEC Management Services Pte. Ltd., further strengthening its position as a global leader in complex offshore asset upgrades.
According to Emirates News Agency, the project is set to commence in May 2025 and is expected to be completed in eight months. The refurbishment of the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel will involve extensive structural enhancements, including 1,000 tonnes of steel renewal, 250,000 square metres of tank coating, and 11,500 metres of new piping.
The project also includes enhancements to the crew living quarters and the integration of advanced technologies aimed at boosting efficiency and reliability. Upon completion, the vessel's lifespan is expected to be extended by 15 years, ensuring sustained energy production for West Africa.
Drydocks World, a DP World company, has a proven track record in vessel refurbishments, life extensions, and conversions, having successfully completed over 50 similar projects, including more than 30 FPSO upgrades.
The FPSO Baobab Ivoirien plays a crucial role in West Africa's offshore production, with a processing capacity of 70,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and 75 million cubic feet of natural gas. It has the capability to inject 100,000 bpd of water and store up to two million barrels of crude oil. Currently operating at the Baobab oil field, 25 km off the coast of C´te d'Ivoire, the vessel will be relocated to Drydocks World's Dubai facility for its refurbishment.
The contract signing ceremony took place at Drydocks World and was attended by Rado Antolovic, CEO of Drydocks World, and Gary Kennedy, President of MODEC Management Services Pte. Ltd. Capt. Rado Antolovic PhD, CEO of Drydocks World, emphasized the company's expertise in complex FPSO refurbishment and life extension projects. Gary Kennedy, President of MODEC Management Services Pte. Ltd., highlighted the rigorous selection process and Drydocks World's extensive experience in FPSO upgrades as key factors in awarding the contract to them.