McDermott Successfully Completes the Scarborough EPCIC with a Major FPU Floatover Operation

McDermott's Achievement in Offshore Energy with the Scarborough EPCIC

In a remarkable feat of engineering and project management, McDermott International has announced the successful completion of the fabrication, construction, and offshore floatover operation for the Scarborough floating production unit (FPU). This significant milestone reflects the company's commitment to excellence and innovation in the energy sector.

The Scarborough project, which is under the direction of Woodside Energy, began with the awarding of the contract in 2021. It encompasses a comprehensive range of services, including engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning (EPCIC). McDermott has undertaken the design, fabrication, integration, transportation, and installation of both the topside and hull structures, which together weigh an impressive 67,000 metric tons. This project stands out as the largest floating production facility ever designed and constructed by McDermott, and it ranks among the most significant semi-submersible production platforms in offshore history.

The fabrication of the topsides took place at McDermott's joint venture yard, Qingdao McDermott Wuchuan (QMW), based in Qingdao, China. Meanwhile, the hull was constructed by COSCO at its shipyard located in Qidong, China. The topsides consist of six distinct deck levels, featuring a total of 169 core equipment units, which include three gas turbine-driven export gas compressors and an additional three main generators equipped with waste heat recovery systems. This advanced setup not only enhances operational efficiency but also significantly contributes to emissions reduction goals.

In terms of scale, the project included over 50,000 meters of piping and one million meters of cabling, integrating 568 different subsystems, alongside a battery energy storage system aimed at supporting sustainable operations. This comprehensive approach exemplifies McDermott's commitment to deploying cutting-edge technologies and practices in energy production.

Earlier in May, both the topside and hull structures were successfully transported offshore, culminating in the floatover installation of the topsides onto the hull off the coast of Dalian, China. Following this pivotal operation, the FPU was moved to CIMC’s Raffles yard in Yantai, China, for final integration efforts. Once completed, the unit is expected to head for the Scarborough gas field, situated approximately 375 kilometers offshore from the Burrup Peninsula in Western Australia.

McDermott's extensive footprint in the energy sector, spanning over 54 countries and supported by a workforce of more than 30,000 employees, underscores the company’s capability to handle large-scale and complex projects. The firm combines a diverse fleet of specialized marine construction vessels with fabrication facilities globally, reinforcing its position as a premier provider of engineering and construction solutions.

As McDermott forges ahead in the energy industry, this latest achievement reflects its dedication to advancing global energy infrastructure through innovative approaches aimed at harnessing and transforming energy resources responsibly. The successful execution of the Scarborough EPCIC project not only enhances McDermott's portfolio but also sets a standard for excellence in offshore energy production, promoting a brighter and more sustainable future.

This milestone reinforces McDermott's strategy of integrating technology-driven solutions that meet the growing energy demands of the world while addressing environmental impacts. With continued investment in innovation and sustainability, McDermott is poised to remain at the forefront of the energy sector, contributing to the development of world-class energy solutions for generations to come.