MODEC: Keel laying for Guyana-bound FPSO hull done weeks ahead of schedule

Japanese FPSO operator MODEC has achieved a new milestone by completing the keel laying for the construction of a floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) hull, which is destined for ExxonMobil’s fifth oil development in the Stabroek block offshore Guyana.

A ceremony to mark the beginning of construction for the FPSO Errea Wittu was held on February 2, 2024. The FPSO unit will be situated on ExxonMobil’s $12.7 billion Uaru project, sanctioned in April 2023. 

Offshore Frontier Solutions, a MODEC Group company, is in charge of the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) work for the vessel based on its M350 newbuild hull. According to the Japanese firm, the keel laying for the construction of the FPSO Errea Wittu hull has been carried out five weeks ahead of schedule.

“This performance milestone demonstrates the dedication and collaboration of the teams involved. In addition to this achievement, we take pride in maintaining a strong safety record with zero lost time injuries (LTI) and ensuring the engineering progresses according to the schedule. This reflects our unwavering commitment to providing a safe and efficient work environment,” explained MODEC.

With a topside designed to produce approximately 250,000 barrels of oil per day, the FPSO Errea Wittu will have an associated gas treatment capacity of 540 million cubic feet per day, a water injection capacity of 350,000 barrels per day, and produced water capacity of 300,000 barrels per day. The vessel is expected to be delivered to ExxonMobil in 2026.

The Japanese player has already hired several players for work on the FPSO Errea Wittu. Recently, Seatrium joined the ranks of multiple other players working on the FPSO, including Jumbo Offshore Installation Contractors, SOFEC, ABB, TMC Compressors, and Miko Marine. 

MODEC is working on several other FPSO projects. Earlier this year, the firm cheered the first steel fabrication milestone for an FPSO destined to work on an Equinor-operated pre-salt gas and condensate project off the coast of Brazil.