The world’s largest floating production storage and offloading unit (FPSO), known as the M026 FPSO, set sail on Monday from Qidong City in Jiangsu Province, eastern China. This monumental vessel not only marks a significant achievement in maritime engineering but also sets a new tonnage towing record along the Yangtze River.
Measuring an impressive 335.31 meters in length, 60 meters in width, and 33.515 meters in height, the M026 FPSO is a true giant of the seas. Its departure was accompanied by a convoy stretching 784.2 meters, including patrol boats, tugboats, and escort vessels, showcasing the sheer scale of this operation.
Built by COSCO (Qidong) Offshore Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., the vessel is destined for an ultra-deep-water oil development project in Brazil. Dubbed a “floating refinery,” the M026 FPSO is designed to produce up to 180,000 barrels of oil per day, process 12 million standard cubic meters of natural gas, and store a staggering 1.4 million barrels of crude oil.
This engineering marvel holds the record for the largest tonnage and highest storage capacity in its class. Its deployment is expected to play a significant role in enhancing energy production in Brazil, highlighting the global collaboration in the energy sector.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
