Qingdao, China – Asia has reached a new milestone in offshore oil and natural gas exploration with the completion of its first cylindrical Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility. Dubbed “Haikui No.1,” this state-of-the-art structure, built entirely in China, stands as a testament to the country’s advanced engineering and technological capabilities.
The “Haikui No.1” FPSO was recently completed in the coastal city of Qingdao, located in east China’s Shandong Province. This groundbreaking vessel, designed and constructed by Chinese engineers, is poised to revolutionize offshore resource extraction with its impressive capabilities and innovative design. The FPSO can operate at sea for an unprecedented 15 years without needing to dock, setting a new standard for longevity and efficiency in the industry.
A marvel of modern engineering, “Haikui No.1” is composed of 600,000 individual parts, meticulously assembled to create a robust and functional floating production facility. The vessel’s cylindrical shape, a first in Asia, offers several advantages over traditional ship-shaped FPSOs, including improved stability in rough seas and more efficient storage capacity.
The facility features a maximum diameter of approximately 90 meters and a height exceeding 60 meters, making it one of the largest structures of its kind in the world. With a maximum displacement of 100,000 tonnes, “Haikui No.1” is designed to handle substantial offshore production and storage demands. It boasts a storage capacity of 60,000 tonnes of oil, ensuring it can support extensive production operations without frequent offloading.
Functional modules are integrated onto both the hull and deck of the vessel, enabling it to perform a variety of tasks essential for offshore oil and gas extraction. These modules include processing equipment to separate oil, gas, and water, as well as systems for storage and offloading of crude oil. The innovative design allows “Haikui No.1” to operate efficiently and safely in some of the world’s most challenging marine environments.
The completion of “Haikui No.1” marks a significant achievement for China’s offshore engineering industry. It demonstrates the country’s growing expertise in designing and constructing high-end offshore equipment, positioning China as a key player in the global energy market. The successful development of this cylindrical FPSO Facility also underscores China’s commitment to advancing its technological capabilities and enhancing its contributions to the global energy sector.
Officials involved in the project have expressed pride in the vessel’s completion, highlighting the collaborative effort and dedication required to bring such a complex structure to life. The “Haikui No.1” FPSO is expected to begin operations soon, contributing to China’s offshore oil and natural gas production and supporting the nation’s energy needs.
As “Haikui No.1” prepares to set sail, it carries with it the promise of innovation and progress in offshore oil and gas exploration. This remarkable vessel not only showcases China’s engineering prowess but also heralds a new era of efficiency and sustainability in the industry.
