ExxonMobil’s Whiptail project offshore Guyana reaches key milestone as FPSO Jaguar launches

(WO) – On June 21, 2024, the fifth generic Fast4Ward® Multi Purpose Floater No.5 (MPF5) built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (SWS), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC) for SBM Offshore, was launched as per schedule.

With the joint efforts from all parties and leveraging experience gained from the previous four hulls, MPF5 was launched from the SWS dry dock following the successful completion of planned construction activities, including hull erection, equipment installation and piping outfitting.

MPF5 adopted SBM Offshore’s proprietary Fast4Ward hull design. The basic solution is an FPSO with a storage capacity of up to 2.3 MMbbl of crude oil. The generic MPF is designed to be equipped with a spread point mooring system that can be used for the hull to meet a wide range of offshore conditions.

Based on the long-term cooperation between SWS and SBM Offshore, the project proceeds successfully and will be delivered per schedule.

The MPF5 is intended for SBM Offshore’s Jaguar FPSO, which will operate on ExxonMobil’s Whiptail project in the prolific Stabroek block offshore Guyana. The FPSO will be designed to produce 250,000 bopd, will have associated gas treatment capacity of 540 MMcfd and water injection capacity of 300,000 bpd.

The Whiptail oil and gas project is the sixth development within the Stabroek block, 200 km offshore Guyana. ExxonMobil is the operator, along with partners Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited.

Lead image source: Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co