Drydocks World has secured a contract to refurbish and extend the lifespan of the FPSO Baobab Ivoirien, with work set to begin in May.
Awarded by MODEC Management Services, the eight-month project will include significant structural upgrades, such as the renewal of 1,000 tonnes of steel, 250,000 square meters of tank coating, and the installation of 11,500 meters of new piping.
The overhaul will also enhance crew living quarters and integrate advanced technologies to improve efficiency and reliability.
Upon completion, the vessel’s operational life will be extended by 15 years, ensuring continued energy production for West Africa.
Drydocks World CEO Rado Antolovic and MODEC Management Services President Gary Kennedy attended the contract signing ceremony.
Antolovic highlighted Drydocks World’s expertise in complex FPSO refurbishments. “Our proven track record in offshore engineering makes us the ideal partner to enhance the vessel’s longevity, efficiency, and operational safety. We are proud to support MODEC in ensuring long-term reliability,” he said.
Kennedy emphasized the importance of selecting the right partner. “Drydocks World’s extensive experience in FPSO upgrades and commitment to quality and safety made them the best choice.
The vessel’s deepwater operations require precise refurbishment to overcome complex engineering challenges while ensuring long-term efficiency and safety.”
Originally converted from an Ultra Large Crude Carrier (ULCC) in 2003, Baobab Ivoirien was designed with expandable topsides to optimize offshore production.
FPSOs like this are critical for deepwater operations, processing crude oil and gas at sea before transferring them to tankers or pipelines.
Operating at Côte d’Ivoire’s Baobab oil field, 25 km offshore, the vessel processes 70,000 barrels of oil and 75 million cubic feet of natural gas daily. It can also inject 100,000 bpd of water and store up to two million barrels of crude oil.
The FPSO will relocate to Drydocks World’s Dubai facility for its refurbishment before resuming operations in West Africa.
