Netherlands-based SBM Offshore, a provider of design, construction, installation and operation of floating offshore facilities, has revealed that wind-assisted kite towing is being considered for a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel to be deployed at a giant deepwater oil project in Block 58 off the coast of Suriname, operated by French energy giant TotalEnergies.
SBM Offshore & Technip Energy Joint Venture (STS JV) TotalEnergies EP Suriname, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has signed an agreement to evaluate wind-assisted kite towing for Suriname. Gran Morgo FPSO Project with Beyond the seaa French company specializing in innovative kite towing solutions that provide an efficient and scalable alternative to traditional propulsion methods for all types of vessels.
This allows the partners to develop, install, test and operate a Wind Assisted Towing System (WATS) on the FPSO, with the main aim of reducing towing duration and fuel consumption by implementing a kite towing system while towing the unit from a construction site in China to its final destination in Suriname, while also serving as a use case to validate this technology for large-scale vessels.
Laurent Le TouzeDirector of Technology and Product Development, SBM Offshore Group, commented: “Working with TotalEnergies and Beyond the Sea, we are evaluating how wind-assisted propulsion can contribute to low-carbon and more energy-efficient marine logistics for the GranMorgu project, while also supporting the development of innovative marine solutions with broader decarbonization potential. Decarbonization is one of our strategic priorities and we very much look forward to evaluating new future opportunities in this area.”
The project, which will use Beyond the Sea’s SeaKite 2400 system which, depending on wind conditions, can provide automated traction throughout the voyage, will be delivered through a phased R&D approach, covering technology development, qualification, costing and operational readiness as well as an extensive land testing program prior to integration. On FPSO In China.
Yves ParlierThe founder of Beyond the Sea confirmed: “I founded Beyond the Sea with the conviction that wind, and more specifically kite towing, can contribute to the decarbonisation of maritime transport, by adapting to different types of vessels and uses. We are therefore pleased to contribute, together with TotalEnergies and SBM Offshore, to the GranMorgu project, by working on the integration of the SeaKite 2400 on an FPSO.
“This project represents an important step for us in the development of our technology. In a particularly demanding marine environment, our ambition is to meet this challenge with humility and determination, and gradually show that kite tow propulsion can become a reliable, operational and effective solution. This collaboration will enable us to take a new step in the towing capacity of our systems and measure their tangible impact in the service of marine decarbonisation.”
SBM Offshore emphasizes that progression to subsequent stages will depend on meeting pre-specified technical and safety standards. Other key objectives are to validate the kite wing launch and recovery system, while collecting data to optimize the system’s sizing using numerical modelling.
Due to its innovative nature and application to complex offshore development, the initiative represents a first-of-its-kind application of kite towing for an FPSO, requiring close coordination between all stakeholders and a very specific approach to risk management given the nature of the vessel.
after Front-end engineering design (FEED) is studying the progress of two major oil discoveries in Block 58 South Sapacara and Crab dagutotal energies punished The GranMorgu project is located 150 kilometers off the coast of Suriname. these fields Maintain recoverable reserves It is estimated at more than 750 million barrels in water depths ranging from 100 to 1000 metres.
While the operating company initially estimated the project investment at about $10.5 billion, and the first oil production is scheduled to take place in 2028, the total investment value could reach $12.2 billion. Designed to accommodate future interconnection opportunities to expand the production plateau, the FPSO GranMorgu will have a daily capacity of 220,000 barrels of oil.
Frederic BaezGranMorgu Project Manager at TotalEnergies stated: “Improving energy efficiency remains a constant driver in our developments. Beyond the Sea offers a solution that perfectly aligns with this goal, and we are proud to support the challenge of scaling up the Seakite system during the towing phase of the GranMorgu project.”
“We believe this initiative will constitute an important step forward, paving the way for innovative wind-assisted propulsion solutions in maritime transportation.”
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