Saipem has officially launched its offshore operations for the GranMorgu project in Suriname with the arrival of the multipurpose construction vessel Normand Navigator at Jules Sedney Harbour in Paramaribo. Now moored at the commercial port, the vessel is preparing to commence preliminary works for the country’s first large-scale offshore oil development.
The GranMorgu project, operated by TotalEnergies (40%) alongside partners APA Corporation (40%) and Staatsolie (20%), is located in the Block 58, 150 km off the coast, and represents Suriname's first large-scale offshore oil development. It is expected to start up in 2028.
The contract awarded to Saipem in 2024 entails the engineering, procurement, supply, construction, installation, pre-commissioning and assistance for the commissioning and start-up of the Subsea Umbilicals, Risers and Flowlines (SURF) package, at water depths ranging from 100 to 1,100 mt. For the offshore campaign, Saipem will deploy a combination of S-Lay and J-Lay vessels, providing the optimal pipeline installation solution.
To handle the significant volumes of equipment required for Saipem’s execution of the SURF package, the company is deploying a dual-marine base approach.
Saipem has in fact secured a major logistics hub at the commercial port of Jules Sedney Harbour. Spanning an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 square meters, this facility is dedicated to the reception, handling, and storage of all incoming pipes, equipment, and standard containers before they are loaded onto supply vessels bound for the offshore fields.
As the second pillar of Saipem's approach, the DORDT marine support base, also in Paramaribo, will serve to receive, store, and manage heavy subsea structures and manifolds, keeping high-tonnage fabrications segregated and streamlined for deployment.
By utilizing local docks, material handling and transport networks, the subsea campaign will inject significant value directly into the Surinamese supply chain, confirming Saipem’s long-term commitment in the country.
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