Two Liebherr cranes chosen for FPSO newbuild, offshore Angola

Liebherr has successfully sold two offshore cranes of the type RL 2600 (Ram Luffing 2600) and RL-K 2600 (Ram Luffing knuckle boom 2600) to Singapore-based Yinson Production. The cranes will support the Agogo FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading Unit), which will be operating in the Agogo field of offshore Angola. Used for maintenance and component replacement on the Agogo FPSO, the cranes are the ideal choice for harsh offshore environments.

The RL crane series is known for its compact design and is specially designed for use on both fixed and floating offshore applications. The RL-K design is based on the RL design, and the foldable boom is predestined for space-restricted applications.

Yinson Production has secured a contract to operate and maintain the Agogo FPSO for Azule Energy, Angola’s largest independent oil and gas producer and a 50/50 joint venture between BP p.l.c. and Eni S.p.A. The Agogo FPSO will be operated in the Agogo field, located in Block 15/06, approximately 180 kilometers west of Angola’s coast.

This project marks Yinson Production’s entry into Angola, while their partnership with Liebherr builds on the successful collaboration established in 2016, marking their second joint project. The Agogo FPSO will expand Yinson Production’s FPSO fleet to eight units.

Compact cranes for challenging offshore environments

Liebherr will deliver the cranes with a maximum lifting capacity of up to 30 tonnes and a maximum boom outreach of over 30 meters each.

"We are pleased to be selected as the supplier of the main cranes onboard the Agogo FPSO for Angolan waters and look forward to maintaining our long-standing cooperation with Yinson Production through this new project," said Oliver Odebrecht, Sales Manager General Purpose Offshore Cranes at Liebherr in Rostock. "The advanced features and compact design of the RL 2600 and RL-K 2600 ensure an invaluable asset for our offshore customers."

With a rear slewing radius of less than 3 meters, the RL-K is the most compact crane in its series. The superstructure, featuring the slewing column, forms the foundational element of the crane. This structure houses the main drive, the electronic control system, and the central hydraulic power unit. The operator’s cabin, affixed to the slewing column, provides straightforward and comfortable access. The unique aspect of the knuckle boom’s design is its mechanical knuckle transmission. To meet specific operational needs, the boom length can be customized according to customers’ requirements.

Once the cranes are in operation, Liebherr Portugal will take over the maintenance and servicing of the equipment. The service is characterized by rapid response times and expert technical support. By consistently delivering high-quality support and tailored solutions, Liebherr ensures that the customers have a reliable partner at their side to guarantee their operational success and satisfaction.