Retrofit Specialist GLO Marine Secures Hydraulic System Upgrade Job on Bluewater’s Haewene Brim FPSO
Retrofit specialist GLO Marine has successfully secured a hydraulic system upgrade job on Bluewater’s Haewene Brim floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit. This comes after the successful delivery of the project’s first phase, highlighting the strong collaboration between GLO Marine and Bluewater.
During Phase 1 of the FPSO upgrade program, GLO Marine provided a full feasibility and engineering scope, which included detailed technical analysis, prototype validation, and a comprehensive set of engineering deliverables. Building on this success, GLO Marine will now undertake the second phase of the project.
As part of the second phase, GLO Marine will be responsible for delivering detailed engineering, manufacturing, testing, delivery, and offshore installation and commissioning of the FPSO’s hydraulic system. The company has been appointed as the main integrator and project manager, overseeing the entire execution process.
The scope of work includes the supply and integration of new hydraulic deck boxes, a PLC-controlled unit with HMI, solenoid cabinets, a new bridge console, and all class-approved documentation and procedures. GLO Marine will also manage system testing, FAT validation, software development, and offshore commissioning.
This hydraulic system upgrade is a crucial part of Bluewater’s asset life extension strategy for the Haewene Brim FPSO. It is designed to ensure at least ten more years of safe, reliable operation, with modular components and built-in diagnostics for easier maintenance and fault tracing.
Background on Haewene Brim FPSO
The Hæwene Brim FPSO has been operational at the Pierce field in the UK sector of the North Sea since 1999 for client Shell UK Exploration & Production. Bluewater acquired the FPSO in 2001, and it plays a vital role in the oil production and export from the Pierce field.
The Pierce oil field, located in Block 23/22a in the Central North Sea area of the UK Continental Shelf, was discovered in 1975 and achieved first oil in February 1999. The field is developed by subsea wells tied into the Haewene Brim FPSO vessel, with oil exported directly to market via shuttle tankers.
Ithaca Energy acquired a 7.48% non-operated working interest in the Pierce field in 2014, while Shell retains the remaining 92.52% stake. The FPSO’s strategic location and efficient operations make it a key asset in the region’s oil production infrastructure.
“When you’re working on aging infrastructure like FPSOs, problem-solving in real time and aligning with client constraints are critical. That’s what our teams are built to do. We’re more than an execution partner – we work alongside clients to anticipate issues and deliver practical solutions,” said Alin Pohilca, Operations Director at GLO Marine.
With GLO Marine at the helm of the hydraulic system upgrade project, Bluewater’s Haewene Brim FPSO is set to continue its reliable operations for years to come, contributing to the sustainable development of the offshore oil and gas industry.