SBM Offshore is advancing a portfolio of technologies and operational initiatives aimed at reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency and embedding sustainability across the lifecycle of its floating production vessels.
The company said it is combining engineering expertise, operational reliability and selective innovation to support “safe, efficient, and lower carbon energy production,” while expanding into opportunities across the blue economy. Its investment program also includes ongoing work on digital initiatives.
The initiatives span the design, construction, transportation and operation of floating production, storage and offloading vessels (FPSOs), as well as community and supply-chain projects in Guyana.
Wind-assisted towing for GranMorgu
One of SBM’s latest low-carbon initiatives is connected to the GranMorgu FPSO being constructed for TotalEnergies’ development offshore Suriname.
SBM Offshore reported that the vessel’s Fast4Ward hull was successfully launched from its second dry dock, with topsides fabrication continuing and first oil expected in 2028. SBM Offshore, Technip Energies, TotalEnergies and French technology company Beyond the Sea plan to test the SeaKite 2400 wind-assisted towing system during the FPSO’s journey from China to Suriname.
The kite system is intended to supplement the conventional towing vessels, potentially reducing fuel consumption and shortening the voyage. SBM Offshore has described the initiative as the first planned application of kite-assisted towing for an FPSO.
GranMorgu is also being designed with an all-electric configuration and technologies intended to limit operational emissions. The vessel is expected to operate without routine flaring, reinject associated gas and carry permanent sensors for monitoring methane emissions.
Subsea cooling technology targets FPSO emissions
SBM Offshore has also advanced its seawater intake riser technology, receiving a Statement of Maturity from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). Developed with Shell, the system is designed to draw naturally colder seawater from approximately 700 meters below the ocean surface for cooling processes aboard FPSOs.
SBM said the technology could improve process efficiency, reduce energy demand and lower fuel-gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The ABS assessment indicates that the technology has reached sufficient maturity to be incorporated into a production unit.
The seawater intake system forms part of SBM Offshore’s NearZero FPSO concept, which combines several technologies aimed at reducing the emissions intensity of offshore production.
The concept incorporates all-electric topsides, closed-flare systems, carbon capture and deepwater seawater cooling. The design received approval in principle from ABS and is intended to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by as much as 80%.
Sustainability standards applied offshore Guyana
SBM Offshore’s work in Guyana includes applying international sustainability standards to FPSOs constructed for ExxonMobil’s Stabroek Block developments.
The ONE GUYANA FPSO received the ABS SUSTAIN-1 notation, becoming the second SBM-built production vessel offshore Guyana to secure the designation after Liza Unity.
The classification recognizes vessels and offshore assets that meet environmental and sustainability performance requirements beyond baseline regulatory standards. Areas assessed include pollution prevention, waste management, energy efficiency, marine ecosystems, low-carbon fuels and asset recycling.
Green Farms supports local supply chain
SBM Offshore is also connecting sustainability with local supply-chain development through its Green Farms Initiative in Guyana. The program supports the local cultivation of fresh produce that was not traditionally grown at scale in the country, helping to reduce food imports for offshore operations.
Implemented through a partnership involving SBM Offshore Guyana, Plympton Farms and catering company Newrest Guyana, the initiative incorporates agricultural technologies including hydroponics, irrigation systems and solar energy. It also supports local employment and strengthens the supply chain serving Guyana’s offshore production vessels.
Together, the initiatives show SBM applying its lower-carbon strategy across vessel design, marine transportation, offshore operations and local economic development as its FPSO portfolio expands in Guyana, Suriname and other deepwater markets.
