The Scarborough Energy Project has marked a major engineering achievement with the successful joining of the topsides and hull of its Floating Production Unit — a critical milestone as the project advances towards delivering its first LNG cargo in the second half of 2026.
The topsides and hull were constructed separately at two fabrication yards in China, and their integration represents a significant technical and logistical feat. The floatover operation, which required precise coordination and planning, was carried out with close collaboration between teams from Woodside, McDermott, QMW, and COSCO.
The complex manoeuvre involved the alignment and connection of two structures weighing over 30,000 tonnes each—a task that demanded both engineering precision and stringent safety protocols.
Liz Westcott, executive vice president & chief operating officer Australia at Woodside, commended the teams involved and emphasised the importance of the milestone:
“The floatover of the FPU is an engineering marvel and builds on the safe and successful fabrication of the topsides and hull.
Manoeuvring two structures of this scale at sea is an exceptionally complex operation. I am proud of the Woodside and McDermott teams for the safe delivery of the FPU to the integration yard and the completion of this chapter of work.
The FPU is a critical piece of infrastructure for this world-class project, which continues to be delivered to the highest standard.”
The Scarborough Energy Project is now over 82 percent complete, and this latest accomplishment underscores the project’s momentum as it moves towards its operational phase.
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