Drydocks World secures deal to refurbish West Africa-based FPSO

DUBAI, March 24, 2025 – The UAE’s Drydocks World has secured a contract for the refurbishment and life extension of the FPSO BAOBAB IVOIRIEN, the company said on Monday.

Currently operating at the Baobab oilfield off the coast of Côte d’Ivoire, the vessel will be relocated to Dubai for the refurbishment works.

Once completed, the vessel’s lifespan will be extended by 15 years, continuing to support energy production in West Africa.

Drydocks World provides marine and offshore services to the shipping, oil, gas and energy sectors.

The project, awarded by MODEC Management Services, will involve an eight-month refurbishment starting in May 2025. The works will include 1,000 tonnes of steel renewal, 250,000 square metres of tank coating and 11,500 metres of new piping. The scope also covers improvements to crew living quarters and integration of advanced technologies to boost efficiency and reliability.

Drydocks World has completed over 50 similar projects, including more than 30 FPSO upgrades, reinforcing its expertise in complex offshore asset refurbishments. Daily, the FPSO BAOBAB IVOIRIEN can process 70,000 bopd, handle 2.1 mcm (75 mcf) of natural gas, inject 100,000 barrels of water and store up to 2 million barrels of crude oil.

“Signing this agreement with MODEC highlights our expertise in complex FPSO refurbishment and life extension projects. Our proven track record in executing large-scale offshore engineering works positions us as the ideal partner to enhance the vessel’s longevity, efficiency and operational safety. We are proud to support MODEC in ensuring the long-term efficiency and reliability of its FPSO,” Drydocks World CEO Rado Antolovic said.

Read our latest interview with Rado Antolovic here.

“This contract award is the result of a rigorous selection process to find the best partner for this critical project. Drydocks World’s extensive experience in FPSO upgrades and their commitment to quality and safety made them the ideal choice. The vessel’s deepwater operations demand precise refurbishment and life-extension measures to overcome complex engineering and operational challenges, while ensuring efficiency and long-term safety,” MODEC Management Services president Gary Kennedy said.

“We look forward to working closely with Drydocks World to deliver a revitalised vessel that will continue to play a key role in Côte d’Ivoire’s offshore production.”

Photo courtesy of Drydocks World

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