Sembcorp Marine has been picked by Shell to build the floating production unit (FPU) for the Whale field in the US Gulf of Mexico.
The Singapore-based construction firm said the agreement preceded a final investment decision for Whale, expected to be made next year by the Anglo-Dutch major.
Sembcorp said it would take advantage of synergies from the on-going construction of the FPU for Shell’s Vito field in the GoM.
The Vito FPU is currently under construction at Sembcorp Marine’s Tuas Boulevard Yard in Singapore.
The Whale FPU comprises a topside module and a four-column semi-submersible floating hull, with a combined weight of 25,000 tonnes. Slated for completion in 2022, it will operate in the Alaminos Canyon Block 772.
William Gu, Sembcorp Marine Head of Rigs and Floaters, said: “We are very grateful to Shell for recognising our yard capabilities and entrusting us with the Whale FPU project, which comes after our successful bid for the Shell Vito FPU last year.”
Like the Vito FPU, the entire Whale FPU topside will be integrated and commissioned on ground level at Tuas Boulevard Yard to minimise work-at-height risks for the workers.
The completed FPU topside will then be raised and attached to a 51-metre tall hull, using a pair of gantry cranes that can lift up to 30,000 tonnes.