The UAE-Headquartered Drydocks World Dubai to Extend Life of FPSO Baobab Ivoirien

The marine and offshore services provider Drydocks World Dubai, a part of DP World, has been tasked with refurbishment and life extension works for the FPSO Baobab Ivoirien, a floating production, storage, and offloading vessel operating in West Africa. The vessel, previously stationed at the Baobab field offshore Côte d’Ivoire, will undergo enhancements to ensure its operational efficiency and safety for another 15 years.

Partnership with MODEC Management Services

The refurbishment project was awarded to Drydocks World by MODEC Management Services, a subsidiary of Japan’s MODEC. Captain Rado Antolovic PhD, CEO of Drydocks World, expressed confidence in the company’s ability to execute complex FPSO refurbishment projects and ensure the longevity of the vessel. The project is set to commence in May 2025 and will involve structural enhancements, tank coating, piping installation, and technology integration.

Enhancing Efficiency and Reliability

Upon completion of the refurbishment works, the FPSO Baobab Ivoirien will see improvements in crew living quarters, operational efficiency, and reliability. The vessel, originally converted from an ultra-large crude carrier in 2003, plays a crucial role in deepwater oil and gas operations by processing resources at sea before transferring them to tankers or pipelines.

Revitalizing Offshore Production

With a processing capacity of 70,000 barrels of oil per day and 75 million cubic feet of natural gas, the FPSO is a key asset in the Baobab oil field’s operations. After its refurbishment at Drydocks World’s Dubai facility, the vessel will resume operations at the field, contributing to sustained energy production in West Africa.

Commitment to Quality and Safety

Gary Kennedy, President of MODEC Management Services, emphasized the rigorous selection process that led to the partnership with Drydocks World. The project aims to overcome engineering and operational challenges while ensuring long-term efficiency and safety in deepwater operations.

Prolonging Production Life

The Baobab field, operated by Canadian Natural Resources International (CNRI), has a history of 20 years of production. The FPSO refurbishment project is essential to extending the field’s producing life until 2038 or beyond, making it a significant contribution to Côte d’Ivoire’s offshore production.

Overall, the collaboration between Drydocks World Dubai and MODEC Management Services underscores their commitment to excellence in FPSO refurbishment and life extension projects, ensuring the continued success of offshore operations in West Africa.