SBM Offshore’s FPSO duo staying with ExxonMobil offshore Angola until 2032

December 18, 2025, by Melisa Cavcic

Netherlands-based SBM Offshore, a provider of the design, construction, installation, and operation of offshore floating facilities, has landed a multi-year contract extension for two floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels off the coast of Angola with Esso Exploration Angola, an affiliate of the U.S.-headquartered energy giant ExxonMobil.

Thanks to the contract extension related to the lease and operation of FPSOs Mondo and Saxi Batuque, SBM Offshore has secured ownership and operations until 2032 with the operator of Block 15 in Angolan waters.

The deal entails life-extension activities for equipment replacement and refurbishment to maintain high safety standards and ensure operational excellence throughout the contract term. This scope of work is expected to start in 2026.

The Dutch player claims that the extension of the contract marks a recognition of its capability to manage complex offshore brownfield work as well as its capabilities in the operation and maintenance of deepwater assets.

Øivind Tangen, CEO of SBM Offshore, commented: “We are very pleased with the contract extension of FPSOs Mondo and Saxi Batuque. This allows us to maintain our structure and scale in Angola, and most importantly to provide job security to our teams.

“Through this extension, SBM Offshore will continue to generate value to the Angolan energy industry, as we have been for the last three decades. We remain committed to the continued safe and reliable operations through this extension period.”

The Netherlands-based giant will support Block 15 contractor group’s offshore energy objectives in Angola while contributing to the long-term growth in the region. While Esso is the operator of Block 15, the firm’s co-venturers are Azule Angola, Azule Angola, Equinor, and Sonangol E&P.

SBM Offshore recently joined forces with Cognite and SLB to breathe life into an artificial intelligence (AI) blueprint to streamline operational efficiency and advance innovation in floating production systems.