Saipem has successfully completed the lifting operations of the gas recovery module for the Bouri Gas Utilization Project (BGUP), offshore Libya, using its flagship Saipem 7000, one of the world’s largest crane vessels.

The module, fabricated by Rosetti Marino at its Marina di Ravenna yard on behalf of Saipem, EPCI main contractor for the Bouri project, represents a key component of the plant. In early May, the module left the yard to be transported to the Bouri field, located approximately 170 kilometres off the Libyan coast.

Weighing more than 5,200 tonnes and measuring approximately 45 metres by 31 metres, with a height of around 45 metres, the module was built in about two years, and integrates advanced gas treatment systems, and it has been installed on the existing offshore platform at the Bouri field, contributing to the development of the new infrastructures foreseen by the project.

The lifting of the module marks a major milestone in the execution phase of the project, confirming Saipem’s ability to manage complex operations through advanced engineering planning and the use of heavy-lifting solutions, in full compliance with the highest standards of safety and reliability.

Following the completion of the lifting operations, offshore activities covered by Saipem’s scope of work will continue, with execution entrusted to Rosetti Marino. These activities include the integration of the module on the existing DP4 platform, as well as hook-up and commissioning of the plant and its related communication, safety and control systems. In addition, pre-commissioning activities are planned for approximately 28 kilometres of already laid subsea pipelines, which connect the DP3, DP4 and Sabratha platforms and will enable the transportation of the recovered gas to the Mellitah treatment complex.

The Bouri Gas Utilization Project, developed by Mellitah Oil & Gas (a joint venture between Eni and NOC), aims to recover associated gas currently subject to flaring, the controlled combustion of excess gas that produces the typical flame visible in refineries or wells, and transport it to the Mellitah complex for use or export. Reducing flaring will avoid the combustion of gas into the atmosphere, significantly contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions (1.5 million tons eq/year). Furthermore, the initiative will support an increase in production up to approximately 2 million cubic meters per day, improving the efficiency of existing infrastructure.