Norwegian engineering company CoreMarine has wrapped up the disconnection of a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) unit offshore Cameroon, clearing the way for the vessel to leave Africa after eight years of service and begin its next chapter in the Americas, with redeployment planned in Argentina’s emerging LNG export market.

FLNG Hilli Episeyo concludes its assignment offshore Cameroon; Source: CoreMarine

CoreMarine has completed the offshore disconnection of Golar LNG’s Hilli Episeyo FLNG facility from Cameroon’s Kribi field, where the vessel spent eight years. The fast-tracked campaign relied on a bespoke disconnection methodology developed by the Norwegian firm, which led the project end-to-end and claims to have curbed offshore execution time and cost while holding the line on safety and operational certainty.

Gerardo Rodriguez, Lead Project Manager of CoreMarine, commented: “The technical complexity and fast-track nature of this project highlight CoreMarine’s engineering expertise and our ability to deliver demanding offshore solutions within tight timeframes.

“We are very pleased with how the operation went and, above all, with the great collaboration between the Golar and CoreMarine teams. It was truly a team effort, with both sides working closely together towards the same goal, on a challenging project.”

According to the European engineering player, the project represents a significant technical achievement and reinforces its capability to deliver fast-track offshore solutions for challenging and time-critical projects.

CoreMarine provided project management, engineering, procurement and operational services, delivering an integrated solution that enabled the safe release of the FLNG vessel after years of operation off the coast of Cameroon.

Working from concept development through to offshore execution and building on industry experience with FLNG disconnections and relocations, the Norwegian company claims to have developed and implemented a novel disconnection methodology specifically suited to this facility.

FLNG Hilli Episeyo concludes its assignment offshore Cameroon; Source: CoreMarine

The approach is perceived to have simplified offshore operations, reduced execution time and cost, and enabled the safe and efficient delivery of the campaign, which was completed in line with project objectives, maintaining a strong focus on safety, operational efficiency and execution certainty throughout all phases of the work.

Victor Pettersson, Project Director at Golar, emphasized: ” CoreMarine provided a flexible and fast-track solution that aligned closely with our requirements and was executed professionally, safely and in accordance with the agreed schedule.

“The team’s technical expertise, commitment and cooperative approach were instrumental in achieving a successful outcome on what was a complex and challenging project.”

The departure of the Hilli Episeyo marks the beginning of the vessel’s next phase of operation. Following upgrade works in Singapore, the FLNG unit is expected to support the development of Argentina’s LNG export infrastructure, extending the asset’s operational life.

With an LNG production capacity of 2.45 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), Hilli Episeyo is expected to arrive at Golfo San Matías by mid-2027, supporting the development of Argentina LNG‘s natural gas export infrastructure.

CoreMarine will continue to play a key role in that transition through its recently awarded scope, covering the transport and installation of the soft-yoke (SSY) mooring systems and the hook-up of not only the FLNG Hilli Episeyo, but also the FLNG MKII in Argentina.