On the morning of February 20, the world’s first Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit equipped with offshore Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology was named AGOGO FPSO at COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry in Shanghai. This vessel stands as one of the most environmentally friendly FPSOs globally.

Transformed from a 320,000-dwt ultra-large crude oil carrier, this “offshore gigafactory” underwent extensive modifications with COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry Shanghai which oversaw the majority of module lifting operations and all integration tasks.

Upon delivery, AGOGO FPSO is set to operate in Angola’s Block 15/06 West Hub area, situated around 180 kilometers offshore at depths reaching 1,650 meters. Once operational, it will have a daily oil production capacity of 120,000 barrels and boast an oil storage capacity of 1.6 million barrels, earning it the distinction of being the “world’s greenest FPSO.”

During its time docked at COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry, AGOGO FPSO demonstrated a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. It achieved this by capturing CO₂ from the exhaust of onboard gas turbines, a process estimated to decrease carbon emission by approximately 27%. This milestone marks a pivotal step towards realizing the zero-carbon FPSO vision.

Furthermore, AGOGO incorporates a suite of pioneering emission reduction technologies including electrification, automation, digitalization, combined cycle power systems, seawater turbine generators, steam generators, hydrocarbon cargo tank inerting systems, and an integrated closed flare system. These advancements collectively contribute to a substantial reduction in overall carbon emissions while enhancing operational efficiency. With these innovations, AGOGO is projected to cut CO₂ emissions by roughly 230,000 tons annually.

It is reported that COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry Shanghai has successfully executed over 15,000 tons of upper module lifting and more than 100,000 meters of cable installation for the AGOGO FPSO project, in addition to collaborating on the intricate commissioning processes. Remarkably, all renovation tasks were accomplished a full month ahead of schedule, setting a new global benchmark for the fastest turnaround in FPSO retrofitting.

The naming of AGOGO FPSO stands as a tangible embodiment of COSCO SHIPPING’s commitment to implementing innovative strategies centered around “digital intelligence” and “green, low-carbon” principles. This achievement not only propels the company into the forefront of advanced modification and manufacturing but also holds significant implications for China’s broader push towards “high-end manufacturing” and its international expansion strategy.

Captain Panda Knowledge Station

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) remains in early stages within both the maritime industry and FPSO sector. AGOGO FPSO, as the world’s pioneering FPSO integrated with carbon capture technology, carries substantial industrial weight. It serves as a vital technical validation and demonstration for decarbonizing offshore oil and gas production.

Introduction to Carbon Capture Technology

AGOGO FPSO features a modular carbon capture system that directly intercepts CO₂ emissions from its production activities.

This captured CO₂ is then reinjected into seabed geological formations for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) or for long-term storage.

Capture and storage capacity: it boasts an estimated annual capture and storage capacity of 230,000 tons.

Innovative Carbon Capture

Modular design: The carbon capture infrastructure adopts a modular architecture, facilitating straightforward installation and operation aboard the FPSO.

Deep-Sea Storage Advantage: Positioned in a deep-sea zone, AGOGO FPSO can directly deposit CO₂ into submarine geological layers, thereby reducing transportation costs.