SBM Offshore is continuing to strengthen its long term production strategy at sea, ordering two additional Fast4Ward multi-purpose floater (MPF) hulls as it responds to a solid pipeline of FPSO opportunities worldwide.
In its first-quarter report, the Dutch company said the decision reflects “the robust market outlook” and ongoing tendering activity across key deepwater projects. With these latest additions, SBM’s under-construction MPF hull fleet now rises to four units.
The shipbuilder has not disclosed where the two new hulls will be constructed. However,SBM retains options across three established Chinese shipyards: Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, China Merchants Heavy, and COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry.
These hulls are expected to support both active and future FPSO bids, with a particular focus on Brazil’s Sergipe-Alagoas basin, where SBM is competing for two gas-heavy developments.
One of the previously planned hulls is already linked to ExxonMobil’s Longtail project offshore Guyana. SBM completed FEED work in March, and if sanctioned, the FPSO would feature what the company describes as the highest gas-handling capacity ever installed on a floating production unit.
Across its wider portfolio, SBM now has eight Fast4Ward hulls either delivered or in operation, reinforcing its position as one of the most active players in standardised FPSO construction.
The Fast4Ward concept combining a standardised hull with adaptable topsides—has also proven commercially valuable, reducing delivery timelines by up to 12 months in a tight global offshore supply chain.
