Senegal: Léopold Sédar Senghor FPSO departs Seatrium shipyard for Sangomar.

The successful completion of the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel Léopold Sédar Senghor marks a milestone in Senegal's burgeoning oil industry. On December 22, 2023, the vessel began its maiden voyage from the Seatrium shipyard, heralding a new era of energy production in Senegalese waters.

The construction of the FPSO Léopold Sédar Senghor, a complex project that took months to complete, is a testament to resilience and innovation. The Sangomar field, the vessel's destination, is destined to become a center of oil production in the region. The project faced many challenges, not least the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated the transfer of the FPSO's final construction phase from China to Singapore. This transfer enabled integration and commissioning work to be completed in a difficult global context marked by the war in Ukraine and the ensuing economic consequences, such as inflation and supply chain disruptions.

The FPSO, 372 meters long and 58 meters wide, has a storage capacity of 1.3 million barrels. It is scheduled to anchor in the Sangomar field at a depth of around 780 meters by 2024. The vessel is designed to produce an impressive 100,000 to 125,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

This remarkable technical feat is the fruit of collaboration between PETROSEN, Woodside and contractor Modec, as well as thousands of workers from shipyards such as COSCO, BOMESC, PJOE and Seatrium. The vessel, with its elegant turret, comfortable living quarters for up to 140 people and advanced processing facilities, is a symbol of national pride, proudly displaying the Senegalese flag. The use of a reused VLCC (Astipalaia) hull, weighing 23,000 tonnes, underlines the project's commitment to sustainability and innovation.

The completion of the Léopold Sédar Senghor FPSO has removed the uncertainty surrounding Senegal's first oil production, which is now scheduled for mid-2024. This development is not only a technical triumph, but also a beacon of hope for Senegal's emergence as a key player in the global oil market. It testifies to the country's determination to exploit its natural resources to fuel economic growth and development.

As Senegal embarks on this new chapter, it is essential to recognize the contributions of all the players, suppliers and subcontractors who have played a vital role in realizing this vision. The Léopold Sédar Senghor FPSO is a monumental achievement that highlights Senegal's capabilities in the global oil industry, and sets a benchmark for future projects in the sector.