Drydocks World Awarded Contract to Refurbish Baobab Ivoirian FPSO

Dubai-based Drydocks World has secured a contract to refurbish and extend the operational life of the Baobab Ivoirian FPSO, in collaboration with floater expert Modec.

The project is set to commence in May 2025 and is expected to last for eight months. It will involve comprehensive structural enhancements to the vessel, including the replacement of 1,000 tons of steel, the coating of 250,000 square meters of tanks, and the installation of 11,500 meters of new piping.

Additionally, the scope of work encompasses upgrading crew accommodations and integrating cutting-edge technologies to improve the vessel’s efficiency and reliability. Upon completion, the FPSO’s operational lifespan will be extended by an additional 15 years.

Drydocks World brings a wealth of experience to this project, having successfully completed over 50 similar projects, including more than 30 FPSO upgrades in the past.

The Baobab Ivoirian FPSO boasts a production capacity of 70,000 barrels of oil per day, 75 million cubic feet of natural gas, and storage capacity for up to 2 million barrels of crude oil. Originally converted from a supertanker in 2003, the unit is currently deployed in the Baobab oil field, located approximately 25 km off the coast of Ivory Coast and operated by CNR International, with Vaalco Energy as a partner in the field.

Following its operational duties in the Baobab oil field, the FPSO will be transferred to Drydocks World’s facility in Dubai for the extensive eight-month refurbishment process.