Operators are under growing pressure to reduce emissions from offshore production, driven both by regulation and by their own net-zero commitments. Sevan DeepwaterTechnology is developing the Low Emission FPSO: a concept that combines the inherent advantages of our cylindrical hull with proven, commercially available decarbonisation technologies. The focus is on solutions that are mature today, so that emission reductions can be delivered on real projects now rather than in the future.

Advantages built into the hull

• ‍No thrusters. The symmetric cylindrical hull does not need to weathervane, so no heading control is required. This removes thruster power demand entirely (typically 5–10 MW on a conventional ship-shaped FPSO), giving a direct fuel and emissions saving over the vessel lifetime.‍
• Cargo tank heating savings. For a given storage volume, the circular hull has a smaller external surface area than a ship-shaped hull. Less heat is lost to the surrounding ballast and seawater, reducing the fuel needed to keep the cargo at temperature, particularly in cold-water locations.
• ‍Manning level optimisation. Without thrusters and heading control, marine systems are simpler to operate and maintain. A lower POB reduces accommodation, HVAC and catering loads, and with them energy consumption and CO₂emissions.‍
• Power from shore. Where a grid connection is available, the unit can be powered from shore, eliminating gas turbine generator emissions, traditionally the single largest source onboard.

Proven technologies, integrated‍

The hull advantages are complemented by a toolbox of mature technologies, selected for their combination of readiness and environmental impact:

• Combined cycle gas turbines that raise power generation efficiency from around 30% to 50% or more, all-electric compressors, variable speed drives on pumps and compressors, closed flare and vapour recovery to eliminate routine flaring, and hydrocarbon blanketing with vapour recovery from the cargo tanks.
• Deep seawater intake, well suited to the favourable motion characteristics of the cylindrical hull, reduces cooling demand, while battery energy storage and submerged turbine generators provide further savings.
• For projects with the highest ambitions, the concept can also be prepared for offshore carbon capture.

The result is an FPSO where low emissions are designed in from the start, not added on later. We welcome dialogue with operators who want to explore how the Low Emission FPSO can support their field developments.

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