On March 7，the generic FAST4WARD  Multi Purpose Floater No.2, (MPF2) built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., (SWS), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC), was launched. Following the successful delivery of MPF1 in December 2019, the second hull, MPF2, in the seriesfor SBM Offshore has realized another milestone. SWS has made progresses in both work restart and epidemic control.

Although the shipyard original work plan was influenced by the epidemic prevention and control, SWS optimized the project plan and ensured the workforce on the project. The project team sorted out all the restricting factors, specified the supporting measures, and worked out the recovery plan based on the emergency generator load test. The transportation and installation of two thrusters were fully coordinated.

With joint efforts of all parties concerned and optimizing experience gained on the first MPF, the construction period in the dry dock of MPF2 is shorter than that of MPF1. Besides, the pipe installation rate, the cable laying rate and the mechanical completion increased by varying degrees. The inspection and activation of emergency generator and load test were completed in the dry dock.

The FAST4WARD  Multi Purpose Floater (MPF) is SBM Offshore's proprietary generic hull design. The basic solution is a FPSO with a storage capacity up to 2.3 million barrels of crude oil. The MPF can meet a wide range of sea conditions from West Africa to South America, and is adapted for the offshore operations in all kinds of seas. Basic Design Approval has been given by both Bureau Veritas and ABS for the MPF.

SBM Offshore’s Fast4Ward  FPSO project with SWS has received extensive attention from the industry. At present, besides the completion and delivery of the MPF1, the MPF2 will carry out tests as planned after launching.

The launching of MPF2 indicates the batch construction capacity of SWS is growing more mature in the field of floating production equipment and the cooperation between SBM Offshore and SWS has entered into a new stage.