The Trion Project it is preparing for a new phase after the arrival in Altamira of equipment destined for installation in the ultra-deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Teams from the Trion project arrive in Altamira
The Trion project, one of Mexico’s major ultra-deepwater oil developments, is nearing its offshore installation campaign after key equipment and materials were moved to Altamira.
SBM Offshore the arrival of the components destined for the upcoming offshore operations was confirmed, the transfer involved an extensive logistical operation from China to Mexico that included passing through the Panama Canal and subsequent maritime unloading maneuvers.
Among the equipment received are large suction piles, chains, and mooring system components, also arriving was the detachable turret mooring buoy, known as DTM.
This last component will have an essential function within Trion’s offshore infrastructure because it will later be connected to the Limestone FSO, the floating unit intended for crude oil storage.
With the equipment already in Altamira, SBM Offshore is preparing for the next stage of the work, which is the installation campaign in the ultra-deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
FSO Chalchi will store up to 950,000 barrels
On the other hand, the Limestone FSO it continues to be built as one of the central components of the maritime infrastructure associated with the Trion project.
The newly built unit is based on a Suezmax hull and will feature a detachable turret mooring system designed by SBM Offshore.
Once installed, it will operate at a depth of approximately 2,500 meters and will have the capacity to store around 950,000 barrels of oil.
SBM Offshore will be in charge of the operation of the FSO through a 20-year lease and operation agreement with Woodside Energy through the Australian company’s Mexican subsidiary.
Likewise, the arrival of the mooring systems in Altamira allows progress in preparing the necessary infrastructure to keep the unit connected during field operations.
Trion mobilizes an investment of up to US$10.4 billion
The development of Trión involves an initial capital investment estimated at US$7.2 billion, while the total costs during the complete project cycle could reach approximately US$10.4 billion.
The field is located about 180 kilometers from the Mexican coast and approximately 30 kilometers south of the maritime border between Mexico and the United States.
Its location in ultra-deep waters makes the installation of the underwater infrastructure and floating systems a technically complex operation.
The project is being developed through a partnership between Woodside Energy, which holds a 60% stake and acts as operator, and Pemex, which retains the remaining 40%.
The infrastructure is designed to develop oil resources in the Gulf of Mexico through production and storage facilities adapted to ultra-deep water conditions.
With the arrival of SBM Offshore’s equipment in Altamira, the project now enters a stage focused on preparing its offshore installation and moving towards the commissioning of its main offshore systems.
Source: Offshore Energy
Photo: SBM Offshore
