Recent developments in the FPSO sector highlight a mix of project advancements, operational disruptions and strategic shifts as the industry adapts to market dynamics approaching year-end 2025.
Drydocks World Delivers Converted EMEM FPSO to Nigeria for Deployment
Drydocks World, a subsidiary of DP World, recently completed the conversion of an EMEM FPSO from a double-hulled tanker at its Dubai facility for Oriental Energy Resources via World Carrier Corporation. Undergoing structural modifications, marine system upgrades, and installation of 19 topside modules before heading offshore Nigeria's Okwok field in Petroleum Mining Lease 15, this unit underwent structural modifications, marine system upgrades and topside module installations as it prepared for deployment at Okwok Field in Petroleum Mining Lease 15.
The FPSO will have the capacity of processing 70,000 barrels of total liquids daily, processing 15 million standard cubic feet of gas daily and storing one million barrels of crude. Produced water treatment will be at 60 BWPD while water injection at 60 BWPD; 15 MMSCFD gas processing with gas lift capability of 7. 5MMSCFD and injection capacity at 3.5MMSCFD will also be delivered from this vessel without drydocking; accommodating 100 personnel via its 12-point spread mooring system it will start production sometime during 2026 Q1.
Gbenga Komolafe, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission Chief Executive lauded Drydocks World for contributing to Nigeria's One Million Barrels production goal and providing over 30 FPSO conversions and 50 major refurbishments, helping strengthen African energy infrastructure.
Finder Energy Acquires Petrojarl I for Timor-Leste KTJ Fields
Finder Energy acquired the Petrojarl I FPSO from Amplus Energy on 3 December for US$15 million in shares and cash, including US$6 million cash, with completion expected on 12 December 2025. The deal enables positioning of the vessel for use at Kuda Tasi and Jahal oilfields off Timor-Leste by mid-2026 for FID with first oil production anticipated by end-2027.
This double-hulled FPSO provides daily processing capacities of 25,000-30,000 barrels of oil per day, daily handled produced water volumes of 10,000 barrels, and 180,000 barrel storage space. Currently warm-stacked in Canary Islands, Amplus will complete phased modifications on it including pre-FID lay-up, life extension upgrades, and hookup. With 11 prior deployments - with 98% uptime at Brazil's Atlanta field between 2018-2024 - and 11 prior deployments at KTJ that met shallower oil conditions and could unlock prospective Block 19-11 prospects.
Amplus will receive A$25 million through 67.6 million share placement for acquisition, maintenance, and FEED acceleration projects. Amplus gains equity as well as representation on their board through Steve Gardyne as their Managing Director.
Production Interruptions at Jotun FPSO and Johan Castberg
Var Energi recently reported reduced production at Jotun FPSO in Balder area due to operational interruptions post-Balder Phase V tie-in and offloading hose issues at Equinor-operated Johan Castberg field during November and December 2025. These units, both operational since June and featuring over 80,000 boed of capacity and 220,000 BOPD peak respectively are anticipated to resume plateau by end-December.
Var Energi, 90% owner of Balder/Jotun and 30% of Johan Castberg, recently highlighted its 2025 achievements - nine startups like Halten East and Balder Phase V plus 10 sanctions like Balder Next and Johan Castberg Isflak which collectively target 350,000-400,000 boed through 2030.
Petrobras Resumes Operation of P-69 FPSO Following Safety Halt
Petrobras' P-69 FPSO in Tupi Field temporarily stopped production for routine safety procedures on 30 December 2025; however, production resumed quickly once these had concluded and was back to a steady 106,000 bopd output during October. It provides pre-salt operations.
Petrobras Will Delay Albacora and SEAP II FPSO Projects Past 2030
On November 28, 2025, Petrobras withdrew from its 2026-2030 plan FPSOs intended for Albacora revitalization and Sergipe Aguas Profundas II (SEAP II) due to investment reassessments, oil price declines, bidding challenges and schedule issues; both projects had previously seen their proposal deadlines delayed or postponed; SEAP II currently faces schedule problems while Albacora's proposal deadline had previously been put off; its proposal deadline faced scheduling difficulties; while this project had previously been postponed while SEAP II has scheduling issues; these plans still plans 11 pre-salt platforms by 2027 while they hope Tupi Buzios 12, Mero 5 units will arrive sometime between 2030-2035
Shell Increases Stake in Atapu and Mero FPSOs
Shell successfully bid US$500.5 million for Atapu and US$293.4 million for Mero interests offshore Brazil, with payments due by December 2025. Mero owns four FPSOs (Guanabara/Mero-1; 2022-2023), Sepetiba/Mero-2 (2023), Marechal Duque de Caxias/Alexandra De Gusmao/Antonie De Gusmao (Mero-3/2024-2025) plus an EPS (Mero-4/2025). Together they comprise 770,000 bopd capacity in Santos Basin pre-salt.