SBM Offshore & Technip Energies Joint Venture (STS JV) and TotalEnergies have partnered with French company Beyond the Sea to evaluate kite traction towing for the FPSO vessel to be deployed in Suriname’s GranMorgu project, SBM Offshore said on Wednesday.
The agreement aims to develop, install, test and operate a wind-assisted towing system to be used during the FPSO’s tow from its construction site in China to Suriname. It aims to shorten the duration of the voyage, reduce fuel consumption, and serve as a validation test for the use of kite traction systems on large vessels.
The partners will implement the project through a phased R&D programme encompassing technology development, qualification, cost and operational readiness assessments, as well as onshore testing before the system is installed on the FPSO in China.
“Improving energy efficiency remains a constant driver in our developments. We believe this initiative will demonstrate a significant step forward, paving the way for innovative wind-assisted propulsion solutions in maritime transport,” said Frédéric Beys, GranMorgu project director at TotalEnergies.
Through the STS JV, SMB Offshore and Technip Energies deliver integrated EPC services for floating production projects.