Its main objective is to reduce towing duration and fuel consumption by implementing a kite traction system during the towing of the FPSO from the construction site in China to its final destination in Suriname, while also serving as a use case to validate this technology for large-scale vessels.
It will utilize Beyond the Sea’s SeaKite® 2400 system which, depending on wind conditions, can provide automated traction throughout the journey.
«I founded Beyond the Sea with the conviction that wind, and more specifically kite traction, can contribute to the decarbonization of maritime transport, by adapting to different types of vessels and uses. We are therefore delighted to contribute, alongside TotalEnergies and SBM Offshore, to the GranMorgu project, by working on the integration of a SeaKite 2400 on an FPSO. This project represents an important step for us in the development of our technology», said Yves Parlier, founder of Beyond the Sea.
The project will be delivered through a phased R&D approach, covering technology development and qualification, costs and operational readiness as well as an intensive on shore test program before integration on the FPSO in China. Progression to subsequent stages will depend on meeting predefined technical and safety criteria.
Other main objectives are to validate the kite’s wing launching and recovery system, as well as collecting data for the system sizing optimization using digital modelling.
«Working together with TotalEnergies and Beyond the Sea, we are evaluating how wind-assisted propulsion can contribute to lower-carbon and more energy-efficient offshore logistics for the GranMorgu project, while also supporting the development of innovative maritime solutions with broader decarbonization potential», said Laurent Le Touze, SBM Offshore’ s Group Technology and Product Development Director.
