Argentina’s FLNG installation and hook-up in CoreMarine & Jumbo Offshore’s hands

April 13, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

Jumbo Offshore, part of the Jumbo Group, and CoreMarine have been tasked with the transport and installation of the soft-yoke (SSY) mooring systems and hook-up of two floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessels in Argentina’s Golfo San Matías.

CoreMarine and Jumbo Offshore’s assignment in Argentina is for both the FLNG Hilli Episeyo and the FLNG MKII. This deal was awarded by Southern Energy S.A. (SESA), supported by a consortium comprising Pan American Energy, YPF, Pampa Energía, Harbour Energy, and Golar LNG.

The award is said to represent a major milestone for both companies and a breakthrough project for Argentina’s gas sector as it ramps up its export capabilities, with the partners perceived to be advancing one of the country’s most strategically important energy developments to date.

As lead contractor, CoreMarine will contract Jumbo Offshore to transport and install the SSY mooring system, including heavy lift and piling activities. Afterward, the firm will follow up with diving and construction activities, such as spool installation, ballasting, riser hook-up, pre-commissioning, positioning, and hook-up of FLNGs.

The offshore campaign will involve complex, simultaneous operations, encompassing heavy lifting, riser installation, piling, spool installation, saturation diving, and multi-vessel Simops. The project will require the chartering of multiple assets, encapsulating DSVs, support vessels, and station-keeping tugs.

View on Offshore-energy.

Ben Fitzgerald, CEO of CoreMarine, commented: “Projects like this are at the top end of offshore construction complexity. Moving, positioning, and permanently installing floating assets of this scale demands absolute precision, proven experience, and flawless execution offshore. This is where CoreMarine and Jumbo Offshore will make a real difference.

“Our objective is not just to deliver two FLNG installations, but to leave behind strong local capability, confidence, and a proven model for future offshore developments in the region. SESA have put a great deal of trust in us and our abilities. We look forward to working even closer with them to deliver these landmark projects.”

The SSY systems, supplied by NOV, will enable both FLNG units to weathervane around a single mooring point, aligning with environmental forces and providing a cost-efficient solution that eliminates the need for fixed infrastructure such as jetties.

CoreMarine and Jumbo Offshore began project management and engineering in January 2026. While the FLNG Hilli Episeyo is scheduled for installation in 2027, the MKII FLNG will follow suit in 2028, marking the first application of SSY technology in Argentine waters.

View on Offshore-energy.

Brian Boutkan, Commercial Director of Jumbo Offshore, underlined: “This award reflects the strength of the collaboration between our two organisations. By combining Jumbo Offshore’s transport and installation expertise with CoreMarine’s offshore engineering capabilities, we are delivering a robust, efficient, and tailored solution.

“We are proud to contribute to such a landmark development in Argentina and to support the delivery of critical energy infrastructure to the highest standards of safety and performance.”

The project, which is set to be delivered in close collaboration with SESA and its partners, is seen as CoreMarine’s first FLNG development and largest contract in Latin America, while further strengthening Jumbo Offshore’s track record in SSY installations and floating energy infrastructure.