Saipem Begins Installation Campaign for GranMorgu Field Offshore Suriname

Italian oilfield services provider Saipem has commenced operations for the GranMorgu field offshore Suriname, with the arrival of the Normand Navigator multi-purpose construction vessel. This marks the start of the country's first large-scale deepwater development, with first oil targeted for mid-2028. The project is led by France's TotalEnergies, alongside partners APA Corporation (US) and Staatsolie (Suriname).

Scope of Saipem's Contract and Vessel Deployment

Saipem holds a $1.9 billion contract covering the engineering, procurement, supply, construction, installation, pre-commissioning, and start-up of the subsea umbilicals, risers, and flowlines (SURF) system for GranMorgu. The Normand Navigator vessel is now moored at the commercial port of Jules Sedney Harbour in Paramaribo and is set to begin preliminary activities. For the offshore campaign, which involves water depths ranging from 100 to 1,100 metres, Saipem will deploy a combination of S-Lay and J-Lay vessels.

Logistics and Support Infrastructure

To manage the significant volumes of equipment required for the SURF campaign, Saipem has secured a major logistics hub spanning up to 40,000 square metres at the port. This facility will receive, handle, and store all incoming pipes before they are loaded onto supply vessels. Additionally, Saipem will use the DORDT marine support base in Paramaribo to receive, store, and manage heavy subsea structures and manifolds.

Project Timeline and Key Components

First oil from GranMorgu is scheduled for mid-2028. Dutch floater specialist SBM Offshore will supply a large floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel with a capacity to process 220,000 barrels per day of oil and 500 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. The FPSO hull is currently under construction at the China Merchants Heavy Industry (CHMI) shipyard in China. The GranMorgu field is located approximately 150 kilometres from the Surinamese coast and holds recoverable reserves estimated at over 750 million barrels of oil.