SBM Offshore announced on May 7, it has received approval in principle from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its NearZero floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) concept.
The design features a range of low-carbon technologies aimed at slashing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent. It is part of SBM’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Technologies integrated into the design include all-electric topsides, closed flare systems, carbon capture, and seawater intake risers. Those innovations help cut emissions and reduce energy demands.
SBM Offshore on track to deliver ‘near zero emission’ FPSO to market in 2025 | OilNOW
ABS confirmed that it completed the design review based on class and statutory requirements. SBM’s NearZero FPSO is built on its existing Fast4Ward® design and standardized delivery model. According to SBM Offshore, Fast4Ward® is based on five key principles: engaging early with clients, standardization, focus on flawless execution, partnering with the supply chain and use of digital solutions in today’s volatile environment.
“We are proud to continue to support SBM Offshore and their comprehensive strategy to address carbon emissions. The NearZero FPSO concept integrates low carbon technologies with a high degree of technical readiness and can be implemented on FPSO projects today,” said Miguel Hernandez, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Offshore.
New Guyana FPSOs to be built with Liza Unity’s record sustainable design – Exxon | OilNOW
“The introduction of SBM Offshore’s NearZero FPSO design marks an important milestone in our decarbonization strategy. The NearZero FPSO design is fully integrated with our proven Fast4Ward® design and standardized delivery model. As such, we are ready to offer this to the market in close collaboration with our technology partners,” said Jaap-Harm Westhuis, SBM Offshore Technology and Product Development Director. “This approval by ABS is evidencing SBM Offshore’s pioneering development efforts in this field over the last years. We are proud to collaborate with our partners and to make a significant contribution to low carbon offshore energy production.”
ABS has supported FPSO development since classing the first unit in U.S. waters in 1978.
It awarded SBM Offshore’s Liza Unity FPSO with the SUSTAIN-2 notation, the first ever with the achievement. It builds on the SUSTAIN-1 notation, which Liza Unity received in 2021 for pollution control and waste management, by incorporating low-carbon fuel usage and human-centered design.
