Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced that its cargo transfer vessel (CTV) SeaLoader 1 already employed by TotalEnergies EP Brasil Ltda. since 2020 will now also be used by Shell Brasil Petróleo Ltda.
This collaboration, managed through OSM Do Brasil, marks a significant milestone for the future use of CTVs in Brazil’s offshore oil operations.
What Are Cargo Transfer Vessels (CTVs)?
Traditionally, crude oil produced by Floating Production, Storage & Offloading systems (FPSOs) is transported via shuttle tankers, which collect oil offshore and transfer it to larger crude oil tankers in calmer waters. However, this method is costly, time-consuming, and carbon-intensive.
CTVs provide a revolutionary alternative. These vessels can directly connect FPSOs to crude oil tankers, allowing seamless oil transshipment offshore. This innovation eliminates the need for shuttle tankers, reducing both operational costs and CO2 emissions.
Currently, only two CTVs exist worldwide, both owned by MOL subsidiary SeaLoading Holding AS, which holds the patent for this technology.
Shell Joins TotalEnergies in Using SeaLoader 1
Since 2020, SeaLoader 1 has been used exclusively by TotalEnergies for oil transfers in the Santos Basin, off the coast of Brazil. With Shell now joining as an additional user, the scope of CTV operations in Brazil is expanding.
MOL emphasizes that Shell’s participation demonstrates industry-wide recognition of the benefits of CTVs. To date, the two CTVs in Brazil have completed over 130 successful offloading operations, proving both their efficiency and reliability. The partnership also underlines the growing collaboration between oil majors to adopt cleaner, more cost-effective technologies.
The collaboration between MOL, TotalEnergies, and Shell represents a turning point in offshore oil logistics. By expanding the use of CTVs, MOL aims to enhance operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact across the crude oil supply chain. With only two CTVs in operation worldwide, both under MOL’s ownership, the technology has the potential to reshape global oil transport practices in the coming years.
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Source: MOL
