ABS endorses SBM Offshore’s Shell-backed FPSO deepwater cooling tech

May 26, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

Netherlands-based SBM Offshore, a provider of the design, construction, installation, and operation of offshore floating facilities, has received the green light for its seawater intake riser (SWIR) technology from American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a classification society.

Following the application of its new technology qualification (NTQ) program to evaluate the prototype design, American Bureau of Shipping has released the statement of maturity for SBM Offshore’s seawater intake riser technology, which was developed in collaboration with Shell.

The statement of maturity signifies that the technology is qualified to be incorporated into a production unit in the aftermath of tests and validation. The SWIR technology is described as featuring an innovative technique to pump colder seawater from around 700 meters below the ocean’s surface up to an FPSO’s topsides to be used for cooling purposes.

Leile Froufe, ABS’ Vice President, Engineering, emphasized: “Completing the prototype validation stage is a testament to the strength of our collaborative relationship with SBM Offshore and our collective dedication to engineering excellence and safety. ABS is proud to support forward-thinking solutions that will refine and elevate the next generation of offshore energy infrastructure.”

This seawater intake riser technology can use cold seawater for onboard process cooling and power generation, depending on process conditions and site characteristics, improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel gas consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in offshore oil and gas production.

Laurent Le Touzé, SBM Offshore’s Technology & Product Development Director, commented: “SWIR’s development reflects SBM Offshore’s innovation leadership and its commitment to supporting the emission reduction journey.

“SWIR is an important step in our low-carbon roadmap: the project began as an in-house concept in 2014 and advanced through a multi-year, multi-party effort, including a development partnership with Shell and research input from academic institutes.”

This statement of maturity follows the completion of a six-month prototype qualification campaign in 2025, witnessed by ABS, Shell, and Petrobras. The project was supported by Shell Brasil through the research, development, and innovation (RDI) investment clause of Brazil’s National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP).

Eli Gomes, Technology Project Manager at Shell Brasil, underlined: “We are optimistic about the promising results achieved by the seawater intake system project. The technology will enable significant optimization and performance improvements in FPSO process and utilities plants, while also contributing to the decarbonization of offshore oil and gas production.”

SBM Offshore recently landed an assignment with Petrobras for two FPSOs destined for work in the Sergipe Alagoas Basin off the coast of Brazil.