Drydocks World, a unit of UAE’s DP World Company, and Norway-based Aker Solutions, have formed a joint venture (JV) to upgrade a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel for the Rosebank oil and gas field in the UK.
The new JV combines the complementary strengths, resources, and experience of Drydocks World’s leading marine and offshore services with Aker Solutions’ integrated solutions, products and services to cater to the needs of the global energy industry.
The JV 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.
The contract was signed by Mr. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World and Chairman of Drydocks World, Ms. Sturla Magnus, Executive Vice President, of Topsides and Facilities at Aker Solutions, and Mr. Arne Hygen Tørnkvist, EVP of Altera Infrastructure.
Sultan bin Sulayem Group Chairman & CEO – DP World, Chairman Drydocks World
“This 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.”
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 in 2023. The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) work is planned for completion by the end of 2025.
Mr. Kjetel Digre, CEO of Akers Solutions, stated that “Collaboration and partnerships are at the core of how we work. In Drydocks World-Dubai, we have a world-class partner in developing solutions, and we look forward to continuing our long-term relationship by delivering jointly towards the Rosebank oil and gas field development project.”
Mr. Tørnkvist said that “I am very pleased to sign this contract on behalf of Altera – being the owner of the Petrojarl Knarr FPSO. The 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.”
