N’Goma FPSO arrives at Paenal shipyard in Angola

Following a voyage of 7,331 miles (13,577 km), N’Goma FPSO safely berthed at Paenal’s 490 m quayside at Port Amboim on June 17, 2014. The arrival of the vessel in Angola from Singapore marks the young yard’s second mega FPSO in just eight months.

“Welcoming N’Goma helps to cement Paenal’s key position in the oil industry. Two of the FPSO’s modules were fabricated here, the Sulphate Removal Package and the Hot Oil Pump, both of which have been successfully lifted and integrated onboard the vessel. Paenal is building a reputation as a world-class fabrication and integration yard,” says Cesar Guerra, the yard’s General Manager.
 
Porto Amboim Estaleiros Navais Ltda - known as Paenal yard - represents an important part in the sustainable growth for Angola. The yard - a JV partnership between national oil company Sonangol, SBM Offshore and DSME with holdings of 40%, 30% and 30% respectively - provides an ideal base for the oil industry’s exploration and production offshore West Africa.

“The shipyard is the biggest employer in the region with over 1,200 employees of which over 85% are Angolan. This is an important consideration for our clients. SBM’s first FPSO to berth at Paenal is an important milestone for both the yard and the country,” says Jean-Philippe Rodrigues, SBM Offshore Business Development SVP.

“It demonstrates SBM’s extensive worldwide expertise in relocations and our EPCI capacity across the lifecycle. Together with our partners we look forward to the completion of this large FPSO for our client Eni,” says Ivan Replumaz, MD SBM Offshore Malaysia.

“To meet the project’s specific requirements, the conversion included major upgrade work on the hull, turret and integration of new and refurbished topsides, which was successfully completed in Singapore at Keppel Shipyard. We are now committed to concluding the heavy lifting campaign and integration at Paenal,” says Jerome Garidou, Project Manager.

Once the FPSO is completed, operations will begin on the Eni operated Block 15/06 West Hub offshore Angola by OPS -- a JV company between Sonangol and SBM Offshore -- which celebrated its 10th year anniversary of operations this month.

“The OPS team is keen to welcome the N’Goma FPSO into the Angolan fleet and to start a fruitful relationship with Eni Angola under the 12-year lease and operate contract,” says Fabrice Dumortier, OPS General Manager.

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