Qingdao, China – Asia’s first cylindrical floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) facility, the ‘Haikui No.1’, has been successfully loaded onto the massive semi-submersible vessel ‘Xinguanghuahao’ in Jiaozhou Bay, Qingdao City, Shandong Province. This milestone marks a significant advancement in China’s offshore engineering capabilities.
The self-developed ‘Haikui No.1’ is now set to be transported to the Liuhua oilfield in the Pearl River Mouth Basin in southern China. The operation commenced early Sunday morning, with the FPSO leaving port around 5:00 AM. Guided by four mooring ropes and assisted by four tugs maneuvering from different directions, the facility smoothly reached its designated position on the sea surface.
By approximately 3:00 PM, the FPSO was positioned over the hull of the ‘Xinguanghuahao’. The vessel’s deck was submerged to 25 meters below sea level to facilitate the precise loading of the FPSO. The meticulous operation required an allowable error margin of no more than 50 millimeters between the final position of the FPSO and the edges of the semi-submersible vessel.
Over the course of three hours, the team successfully loaded the ‘Haikui No.1’ onto the ‘Xinguanghuahao’. Once the vessel resurfaces, technicians will weld the FPSO onto the deck, ensuring its stability during maritime transportation, even amidst strong winds and waves.
The deployment of the ‘Haikui No.1’ to the Liuhua oilfield signifies a leap forward in offshore oil production for China. The advanced FPSO facility is expected to enhance extraction efficiency and bolster the country’s energy resources, contributing to economic growth and energy security.
Strategic Importance
The successful loading and transportation of the ‘Haikui No.1’ reflect China’s commitment to advancing its maritime technology and offshore energy capabilities. As the first of its kind in Asia, this cylindrical FPSO sets a new standard for future developments in the region.
The Liuhua oilfield, located in the resource-rich Pearl River Mouth Basin, stands to benefit significantly from the arrival of the ‘Haikui No.1’. The facility’s operationalization is poised to play a crucial role in meeting the growing energy demands both domestically and potentially throughout Asia.
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China's cylindrical FPSO facility loaded onto carrier for installation
cgtn.com
