UK-based classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) has given its blessing to China-based provider of clean energy services Wison New Energies (WNE) for a new harsh environment floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) design featuring an internal turret mooring system.
Lloyd’s Register has granted approval in principle (AiP) to Wison New Energies for a new harsh environment internal turret FPSO design, following an independent concept stage review by LR. This AiP is interpreted to mark an early technical milestone for a standardized floating production concept aimed at complex offshore conditions.
Ian Crehan , Global Head of Energies Solutions at Lloyd’s Register, commented: “Floating production systems are becoming more complex, and the cost of getting early decisions wrong is rising. Independent assurance at concept stage helps reduce uncertainty and allows projects to move forward with greater technical confidence.”
The UK-based classification society explains that the internal turret FPSOs are widely used in demanding metocean conditions, but remain among the most technically complex floating production systems, with critical interfaces between hull, mooring, risers, and topside layouts.
By completing an independent concept-stage review, the AiP is said to help demonstrate that the FPSO concept can progress with a clearer view of key technical and safety considerations, supporting earlier, more confident decision-making by project stakeholders.
Loy Wee Meng , Senior Product Manager of Wison New Energies’ FPSO Product Center, highlighted: “With design for harsh environment FPSO now completed, Wison has in addition to standard FPSO as well as gas type FPSO designs already developed, possessed the portfolio to undertake FPSO design for 90% of the current world FPSO demand.”
Wison New Energies said the approval supports its work to develop FPSO designs that could be deployed more rapidly and reliably in challenging offshore regions. The Chinese firm held a hull launching ceremony a few months ago at its Nantong Yard for Genting’s floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility.