Drydocks World, the largest single repair complex in the Middle East, located in Dubai, is the site of many floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) units under conversion, reports ABS Middle East Southern District Manager, Joseph Brincat. ABS is involved with several of these conversions.

ABS' experience with the conversion of large tankers to FPSOs has led to numerous projects at Drydocks World. The FPSO Cidade De Vitoria was completed and has been installed offshore Brazil in the Espirito Santo Basin. In late November 2007 Petrobras reported the FPSO had been put online, marking the inauguration of Module II of the Golfinho Field. Two other recent ABS classed conversions include the 273,600 dwt tanker Frade and the 274,300 dwt tanker Gimboa.

ABS’ scope of classification for an FPSO includes: review and approval of the FPSO design for compliance with ABS Rules, survey of fabrication components in the field to facilitate compliance with ABS Rules, survey of the offshore hook-up and commissioning to ready for first oil.

A fully classed unit includes: hull structure, mooring systems and foundations and all marine, production, utility and safety systems.