SBM Offshore places order for 13th multi-purpose floater hull to bolster its FPSO fleet

June 29, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

Netherlands-based SBM Offshore, a provider of the design, construction, installation, and operation of offshore floating facilities, has signed off on the construction of its seventh generic Fast4Ward multi-purpose floater (MPF7) hull with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) and China Shipbuilding Trading Co. (CSTC), subsidiaries of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).

Fast4Ward FPSO design; Source: SBM Offshore

The three players have inked a contract for the construction of the seventh MPF, which features SBM Offshore’s Fast4Ward proprietary generic standard hull design for floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels, with a storage capacity up to 2.3 million barrels of crude oil, adaptable for a wide range of sea conditions.

Øivind Tangen, CEO at SBM Offshore, commented: “This contract award reflects the robust market outlook and demonstrates how SBM leverages standardization and strategic partnerships for strong competitive positioning. This is the 13th MPF hull ordered to date, with each project providing lessons to further derisk the execution, with improving quality and productivity.”

The Dutch giant emphasizes that the MPF7 will inherit the highly optimized design of its predecessor, including accommodation capacity for up to 240 personnel. The floater’s design is said to adhere strictly to international offshore standards, with tailored optimizations for environmental protection, safety, and crew comfort.

Chen Gang, Chairman of SWS, emphasized: “Signing this agreement for the MPF7 marks an exciting new chapter in our enduring strategic partnership with SBM Offshore, built on deep mutual trust.

“As this represents our 7th FPSO hull project for SBM, our team is fully committed to leveraging our premier shipbuilding capabilities and lean management principles to deliver this vessel with the highest quality, safety, and environmental standards, continuing to create long-term value for both organizations.”

This hull order comes shortly after SBM Offshore disclosed a shareholders’ agreement with Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha to divest a 45% ownership interest in the special purpose companies related to the lease and operation of the FSO Chalchi, which will operate in the Gulf of Mexico.