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.

Additional activities included punch list completion following the Dubai upgrade campaign, logistics coordination, equipment readiness, and mobilisation of operational crews. No major fabrication works were performed in Ågotnes, as the base primarily served as a testing, coordination, and final preparation hub prior to offshore deployment.

YABIMO’s involvement with the Petrojarl Knarr FPSO dates back to the vessel’s construction phase. In 2014, our specialists participated in works carried out at Samsung Heavy Industries’ shipyard in Geoje, South Korea, where the FPSO was built. The scope included measurement works and preparation of technical documentation for hundreds of insulation boxes designed for valves and flanges. This early involvement provided YABIMO with valuable project knowledge from the very beginning of the vessel’s lifecycle.

YABIMO has extensive hands-on experience related to the Petrojarl Knarr FPSO and its transformation into Petrojarl Rosebank. Our personnel have supported the project at various stages of the vessel’s lifecycle – from the original construction phase in South Korea, through operational and modification works in Norway, to the major upgrade programme in Dubai and the final commissioning activities in Ågotnes.

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, safety system verification, and final preparations ahead of offshore hook-up and production start-up.

During the major FPSO upgrade programme in Dubai, YABIMO personnel actively supported refurbishment, modification, and preparation works carried out as part of the vessel’s transformation for future deployment on the Rosebank field. Our specialists contributed to offshore construction and upgrade activities, supporting safe, efficient, and high-quality project execution throughout this important phase of the redevelopment programme.

Following the Dubai upgrade campaign, YABIMO personnel continued supporting the project in Ågotnes, Norway, where the FPSO underwent final commissioning, testing, and preparation activities before offshore deployment. Our teams supported key project scopes including scaffolding, insulation, electrical, and construction works, contributing to the successful completion of the final preparation phase prior to start-up at the Rosebank field.

Through involvement in the vessel’s construction, operational history, Dubai upgrade works, and the Ågotnes commissioning phase, YABIMO has developed unique project knowledge and continues to support complex offshore energy projects by delivering experienced and qualified personnel to the Norwegian and international offshore industry.

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 operational efficiency, and international offshore expertise.