Dubai, UAE– Drydocks World, a DP World Company, and Aker Solutions have formed a joint venture to upgrade a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel for the Rosebank oil and gas field in the UK.
The joint venture signed its first contract with Altera Infrastructure, a global energy infrastructure services group, to upgrade, refurbish and electrify the FPSO, the Petrojarl Knarr.
The vessel will be redeployed at Rosebank field, with the upgrades allowing it to be kept in the field for 25 years without drydocking.
Aker Solutions will handle the detailed design and procurement of equipment in Norway, while Drydocks World will be responsible for the fabrication and construction work at their yard in Dubai.
The Petrojarl Knarr is currently at the Aker Solutions yard in Norway and will remain there until it is towed to Dubai later during 2023. The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) work is planned for completion by the end of 2025.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World and Chairman of Drydocks World, said the joint venture “between Drydocks World and Aker Solutions “will deliver world-class maritime engineering and construction solutions to the global energy industry”.
“The sector needs smart, collaborative partnerships like this to ensure sustainable production and to successfully transition equipment and vessels for the future. Today’s announcement is an important step forward,” he said.
Arne Hygen Tørnkvist, EVP of Altera Infrastructure, said the Petrojarl Knarr FPSO will operate for up to 25 years in the most challenging environment on the planet.
“I see this as a start of a strong and long-term relationship with Drydocks World,” he said.