Keppel Clinches $21 Million FPSO Conversion Deal

Keppel Shipyard has secured a contract from Modec Inc. of Japan to convert Ellida, a 137,684-dwt tanker, into a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. This follows the recent completion of a $70 million contract by Keppel Shipyard to convert the 149,991-dwt tanker Cossack Pioneer into an FPSO vessel for Woodside Petroleum of Australia. Modec Inc. is a subsidiary of the Mitsui Group.

A significant portion of the conversion will be the installation of a turret mooring system, complete with supporting ancillary at the bow of the vessel. A tandem mooring facility and an offloading station will also be installed at the stern of the vessel. Another major job will be the installation of crude process systems aboard the vessel, including a gas compression system and flare system with a 30-m tower. The main boilers will be converted for process oil firing. Major modifications to the piping system will be carried out in order to facilitate storage of processed oil in the cargo tanks.

The Ellida will be outfitted with a 100-ton helideck, a 20-ton-capacity deck crane and laboratory house. Keppel will also carry out refurbishment of accommodation and deckhouse facilities.

Other repair work to be carried out includes the overhaul of the main engine and auxiliary machinery. Extensive tank blasting and coating of over 45,000 sq. m. of the cargo tanks and reinforcement of the hull will also be carried out. To maintain safety standards, a fire and gas detection/protection system, an extensive fire and foam deluge system, and pollution prevention equipment will be installed.

Upon completion, the vessel will be stationed at the Shell Todd Oil Services-operated Maui B. Oil Field, in the waters off New Zealand.

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