The FPSO Rubicon Vantage is a converted 80,745 DWT Panamax tanker with facilities for a throughput of 40,000 barrels per day. This is the second generic FPSO conversion carried out by Rubicon Offshore. Orwell Offshore provided Naval Architecture and structural engineering support throughout the vessel conversion which took place in Singapore between August 2007 and May 2008.

During the conversion, in which approximately 1,200 tonnes of topsides were added, Orwell Offshore provided structural engineering and design for the following main items including tie-ins to the ship structure and equipment seafastening:

• Utility module
• Water injection module
• Helideck
• Flare Tower
• Main crane pedestal and boom support
• Relocation of hose handling crane to the bow
• Off-take platform
• Hose maintenance platform
• Laydown area
• Process module footings
• QR hook foundations
• Bow loading system access platforms
• Access walkways
• WI riser bow connection point

Naval Architecture support was given throughout the design of the structures and, in addition, Orwell Offshore developed the following ship’s documents:

• Trim and Stability booklet
• Inclining Test Report (inclining test performed by Orwell personnel)
• Fire Control and Safety diagram
• Hazardous area drawing

In addition to the design work carried out, Orwell Offshore provided on-site technical support during the fabrication of all structures in the shipyard, and worked closely with the DNV Classification Society to ensure that all modifications to the vessel were approved.