First, the company SBM Offshore announced it has obtained the Statement of Maturity from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its seawater intake riser technology (SWIR System). This recognition technically validates a system designed to transform cooling processes on floating production, storage, and offloading units.
Operation and environmental benefits of the SWIR system
Regarding its operation, this system extracts cold seawater at a depth of approximately 700 meters below the sea surface to transport it to the upper deck of the floating platforms. Through this mechanism, the thermal resource is used directly for cooling internal processes and for onboard power generation.
Consequently, the implementation of SWIR technology allows for a direct reduction in fuel gas consumption at offshore facilities. This decrease in energy demand translates into an equivalent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions linked to hydrocarbon extraction.
The ABS technical qualification and validation process
Furthermore, the classification society ABS applied its New Technology Qualification (NTQ) program to examine the feasibility and safety of the proposal. This structured engineering methodology ensures that the design strictly complies with current international regulatory and safety standards.
Thus, the Statement of Maturity is issued following the successful completion of a prototype testing campaign that spanned six months in 2025. Specialists from ABS, Shell, and Petrobras participated jointly in this validation phase.
The origin and financial backing of the technological development
Additionally, the project originated as an internal concept by SBM Offshore in 2014, evolving through multi-year cooperation with academic and industrial centers. Likewise, the initiative received financial support from Shell Brasil through the mandatory Research, Development, and Innovation funds regulated by the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) of that country.
In relation to this advancement, the Director of Technology and Product Development at SBM Offshore, Laurent Le Touzé, stated that the development of the SWIR system reflects the corporate commitment to the transition toward a low-carbon economy. Similarly, the Vice President of Engineering at ABS, Leile Froufe, stated that the completion of this phase confirms the strength of the strategic alliance and the dedication to marine operational excellence.
Finally, the technology project manager at Shell Brasil, Eli Gomes, noted that the technology will significantly optimize the performance of processing plants and auxiliary service plants.
Source and photo: SBM Offshore