ExxonMobil Taps Bourbon for Enhanced Angola Operations
French maritime services provider Bourbon has secured a significant five-year contract with ExxonMobil to provide advanced crew transfer vessels for operations offshore Angola. The agreement involves newly-designed 34-meter vessels that will transport personnel between Soyo city and Block 15, located 80 miles offshore.
The new vessels, scheduled for delivery in 2027, will replace the current 32-meter crewliners and feature enhanced capabilities including cruising speeds up to 38 knots and fuel consumption reductions of 10-15% compared to previous generations. Designed by French naval engineering firm MAURIC, the vessels will accommodate 60 passengers with improved comfort and include 18 square meters of foredeck space for cargo.
Block 15, situated approximately 145 kilometers off Angola’s northern coast, began production in 2003 and recently received a contract extension until 2037. The field is operated by ExxonMobil Angola in partnership with Azule Energy, Equinor, and Sonangol E&P.
Sources: Offshore Energy, Energy-Pedia, Baird Maritime
