CIMC Raffles to build FPSO for Angola project

Chinese yard CIMC Raffles has signed a contract for the Azule Energy-led Greater PAJ FPSO EPCIC project off Angola.

The Greater PAJ FPSO will undertake the functions of oil and gas reception, processing, storage, and offloading. Once operational, the unit will have a production capacity of up to 95,000 barrels of oil per day.

Under this contract, CIMC Raffles will undertake the general contracting scope for the FPSO, covering the entire workflow, including FEED, basic and detailed design, procurement of materials and equipment, construction, towage, and offshore installation, and commissioning for the unit.

“The signing of the EPCIC project fully demonstrates the recognition by leading international oil and gas companies of CIMC Raffles’ comprehensive strength, project execution capabilities, and track record in delivering high-end offshore oil and gas assets,” CIMC Raffles explained.

Eni and BP, through Azule Energy, announced the final investment decision for the $5.1bn project on Monday. With first oil expected in the first half of 2029, the project brings together five offshore fields across the two blocks – Pala, Astraea, Juno, Urano, and Dione.

The overall development concept consists of 17 wells connected to an FPSO with a nameplate capacity of 95,000 barrels of oil per day and a gas export capacity of 70m cubic feet of gas per day, which will be delivered to the ALNG plant. The project is located approximately 200 km off the coast of Angola.

Azule Energy has already awarded two more contracts for work on the project. Saipem was awarded a contract for transportation and installation services for the project. The contract, with a duration of around 40 months, is worth $1bn. For the offshore installation campaign, Saipem plans to deploy its construction vessels FDS and Castorone.

A contract is also awarded to TechnipFMC for the provision of flexible flowlines and risers. The company will design and manufacture flexible flowlines and risers to connect wells in water depths approaching 2,000 m to the FPSO.