FPSO | The world's first carbon capture FPSO "Agogo" has obtained the Operational Readiness Certificate (ORC), and China's offshore equipment manufacturing is helping promote the green development of offshore energy in West Africa

Floating Ocean Society learned that on December 5, 2025, Yinson Production, an international energy service provider, announced that its floating production storage and offloading unit (FPSO) "Agogo" built and operated for Azule Energy has officially obtained an operational readiness certificate (ORC) issued by the customer. This marks that the world's first FPSO equipped with a post combustion carbon capture system has completed all engineering, construction, commissioning, and testing verification work, and is officially ready for production and operation, setting a new milestone for the low-carbon transformation of global offshore oil and gas production.

supertanker built in 2009. According to the project information, the main renovation project was undertaken by China Resources Dadong and started construction in February 2023. It took 17.5 months and was successfully delivered in July 2024. The amount of renovation work is extremely large, including over 130 kilometers of pipeline laying, 600 kilometers of cable laying, 320000 square meters of special coating operations, as well as the construction and hoisting of multiple large modules such as living area modules, power supply modules, and a 125 meter high torch tower. Thanks to efficient management, China Resources Dadong has created a safety record of 7 million hours without loss of work hour accidents (LTI), and shortened the modification cycle of similar projects by more than two months.

Subsequently, the FPSO entered the second phase of integration work, which was taken over by Shanghai COSCO Shipping Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. During this period, complex projects such as lifting 10 upper level modules with a total weight of over 15000 tons and laying over 1 million meters of cables were completed. Ultimately, all modification tasks were completed one month ahead of schedule, setting a new record for the global FPSO modification cycle of the same type.

Trans oceanic expedition, arrived in Angola

On March 3, 2025, this unpowered "offshore super factory" slowly set sail from Shanghai COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Terminal with the assistance of one main tugboat and six auxiliary tugboats. POSH Singapore is responsible for executing the epic towing mission that spans over 10000 nautical miles (approximately 18.520 kilometers). During the voyage, the "Agogo" made a planned technical stop in Walvis Bay, Namibia on May 8th, completing material supply and crew rotation, and successfully arrived at the West Hub operating area in Block 15/06 of Angola in mid May.

Technological leadership, pioneer in emissions reduction

The most eye-catching feature of the "Agogo" in the industry is its integrated low-carbon technology. As the world's first pilot application of post combustion carbon capture (CCS) system on FPSO, it is capable of capturing carbon dioxide from the flue gas of gas turbines on board ships. Combined with its closed flare system, hydrocarbon coverage technology, combined cycle power generation, fully electric drive, and highly automated control system, the entire solution is expected to reduce the carbon emissions of the FPSO by up to 27%. The ship has a total length of 330 meters, a displacement of over 300000 metric tons, a designed daily processing capacity of 120000 barrels of crude oil, and a storage capacity of 1.6 million barrels.

Formally put into operation, with profound significance

On July 31, 2025, Azul Energy officially announced the commissioning of the Agogo Oilfield West Hub Comprehensive Development Project, and the "Agogo" FPSO began to exert its production capacity. The contract value of the project is as high as approximately 5.3 to 5.7 billion US dollars, and Yunsheng Production has been awarded a 15 year fixed operating contract with a 5-year extension option.

Obtaining the Operational Readiness Certificate (ORC) this time is a formal confirmation of the next key milestone in the project, symbolizing the successful completion of all project stages from modification, towing, installation to final commissioning. Adriano Mongini, CEO of Azul Energy, has stated that this project is not only a showcase of technological strength, but also a commitment to Angola's energy future and environmental responsibility. The Angola National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Authority (ANPG) also pointed out that the project employs 80% of Angolan employees and is expected to become Angola's first offshore platform to operate with fully offset carbon emissions through a carbon offset plan.

Green samples of global collaboration

The successful path of the "Agogo" FPSO is a model of global high-end manufacturing collaboration. It is produced and operated by Yunsheng Malaysia, serving Azul Energy, a joint venture between BP and Eni. Core modifications and integration are completed at a Chinese shipyard, and transoceanic transportation is handled by a Singaporean company, ultimately serving deep-sea oil and gas fields in Angola, Africa. This project not only consolidates Angola's position as an energy hub in West Africa, but also points out a feasible carbon reduction path for the high emission intensity offshore oil and gas extraction industry through concrete technological innovation. It demonstrates the important contribution of Chinese manufacturing in the fields of high-end offshore equipment and green technology, as well as the key value of international industrial chain cooperation in promoting global energy transformation.