Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Expands Cargo Transfer Vessel Use in Brazil
Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced a groundbreaking agreement to share its cargo transfer vessel (CTV), SeaLoader 1, with the Brazilian divisions of TotalEnergies and Shell. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the deployment of CTV technology within Brazil’s oil industry. TotalEnergies has utilized the vessel since 2020 to transfer crude oil from floating production storage and offloading units (FPSOs) in the Santos Basin to tankers, and now Shell will also benefit from this innovative logistics solution.
Transforming Oil Logistics with CTV Technology
The 2018-built SeaLoader 1 has been a pivotal asset for TotalEnergies, enabling efficient crude oil transfers from FPSOs. Under the new agreement, Shell will join TotalEnergies in utilizing this advanced vessel for its cargo operations, a move MOL describes as a significant milestone for the future spread of CTVs in Brazil. With this partnership, MOL aims to enhance the operational efficiency of oil logistics and reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional shipping methods.
The existing CTV technology allows for a direct transfer of crude oil from an FPSO to a crude oil tanker, bypassing the need for shuttle tankers that often encounter challenges in rough seas. Conventional crude oil tankers are typically ill-equipped to handle direct loading from FPSOs due to their vulnerability to waves and winds. CTVs, like SeaLoader 1, can connect directly to FPSOs, significantly improving the logistics of crude oil transportation while also cutting down on CO2 emissions and operational costs.
Currently, only two CTVs in the world are operational, both owned by MOL’s SeaLoading, which holds the patent for this innovative technology. To date, these vessels have successfully completed over 130 offloading operations, underscoring their effectiveness and reliability. As MOL continues to explore further applications for CTVs, the oil industry is poised for a notable shift towards more sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.
