Rosebank FPSO Upgrade – Petrojarl Knarr Redeployment Project

The Rosebank field is one of the largest offshore oil and gas developments currently progressing on the UK Continental Shelf, located approximately 130 km west of the Shetland Islands. The project is being developed using modern offshore infrastructure designed for long-term production in harsh North Sea conditions. 

A key element of the development is the redeployment and upgrade of the FPSO formerly known as Petrojarl Knarr, built in 2014 and previously operating on the Knarr field in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. The vessel was selected for reuse within the Rosebank project due to its modern design, operational reliability, and suitability for life-extension works. 

The upgrade scope includes hull life-extension, marine systems upgrades, topside modifications, installation of new equipment, and preparation for long-term operation at the Rosebank field. The project was executed by Aker Solutions in a joint venture with Drydocks World Dubai for Altera Infrastructure. 

The upgraded FPSO is designed for up to 25 years of operation without drydocking, with provisions for future electrification and reduced emissions. 

In 2026, key activities for the FPSO Petrojarl Rosebank were carried out in Ågotnes (Coast Center Base), where the unit was in its final preparation phase before offshore deployment. The scope included commissioning and pre-commissioning of process systems, integration and testing of power generation systems (gas turbines, generators, emergency power, and automation), and safety system verification. 

Additional works included final punch list completion following the Dubai upgrade campaign, as well as preparation for offshore hook-up, including logistics, equipment readiness, and crew mobilisation. 

No major fabrication works were performed in Ågotnes. The base served as a final testing, coordination, and preparation hub before offshore deployment. At peak, the project involved approximately 1,000–1,200 personnel. 

YABIMO has hands-on experience with this project and the Petrojarl Knarr FPSO. Our personnel previously worked onboard the vessel during earlier operational phases, providing direct familiarity with the system and offshore execution standards. 

In 2026, YABIMO personnel supported project activities in Ågotnes during final commissioning and preparation works ahead of deployment. We provided skilled personnel for clients including Bilfinger, IKM Elektro, and STS Isonor, supporting scaffolding, insulation, and construction scopes. 

The positions supplied by YABIMO included: 

• Scaffolder Fitter 

• Scaffold Fitter with Fagbrev 

• Scaffolding Foreman 

• Thermal Insulation Foreman 

• Thermal Insulation Fitter 

Through involvement in both earlier Knarr operations and the current Rosebank preparation phase, YABIMO continues to support complex offshore energy projects with experienced and qualified specialists. 

The Rosebank FPSO project represents a modern approach to offshore development by extending the lifecycle of an existing FPSO while integrating upgraded engineering solutions, improved efficiency, and international offshore expertise.