China Sets World Record For Converting A VLCC Into FPSO Vessel In Just 27 Months

China has set a new world record for converting a very large crude carrier (VLCC) into a floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel in just 27 months.

The historic achievement was commemorated during a ceremony at a shipyard owned by COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Shanghai) on Changxing Island. The renovated vessel was named Maria Quiteria.

The FPSO Maria Quiteria, measuring 333.3 meters in length, 58 meters in breadth and 31.25 meters in depth, is expected to be delivered before the end of this (April) month.

It can store up to an astounding 1 million barrels of oil and has a daily production capacity of 100,000.

The FPSO Maria Quiteria is scheduled to be deployed at an oil field off Brazil’s southeastern coast, and operations will begin in September.

One of the vessel’s most important features is its exhaust gas waste recovery technology, which helps reduce carbon emissions while simultaneously meeting offshore operations’ power needs.

Dong Guoyun, the COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry project manager, stated that the vessel’s use of this equipment is estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an incredible 120,000 tons annually.

Video Credits: CGTN/YouTube

The revolutionary project, which is COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry’s first full-chain FPSO upgrade, was completed in a record-breaking 27 months, six months earlier than similar projects.

Pan Yu, the deputy general manager of COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry (Shanghai), highlighted the importance of this accomplishment for both the company and Changxing Island, which aims to establish itself as a world-class marine equipment base.

Changxing Island, designated as a national-level marine economic development demonstration zone, will manufacture ship and offshore engineering equipment with a total output value of over 60 billion yuan (roughly 8.29 billion US dollars) by 2023.

This year, the island will see the opening of many industrial parks, which will help develop a strong marine economic industrial chain.

Shanghai is becoming a centre for scientific research and innovation in the shipbuilding and marine engineering equipment industries as China works to bolster its maritime capabilities.

Significant advancements have been made in ultra-large container ships and substantial liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels.

Zheng Chengrong, deputy director of the strategy and innovation research department at the 708 Research Institute of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, highlighted Shanghai’s comprehensive industrial chain, including ship design, construction, equipment manufacturing, and maintenance services, strengthening the city’s position as a maritime industry leader.

Reference: CGTN, Bastille Post

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