The National Agency for Oil, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) and TotalEnergies Angola have officially launched the conversion of an oil tanker into the FPSO Kaminho, marking a pivotal step in the development of Angola’s first oil project in the Kwanza Basin.
The vessel’s transformation began this week in Nantong, China, with production expected to commence in 2028.
In a statement, ANPG described the event as a historic milestone for Angola’s energy sector. The FPSO Kaminho will support the Cameia and Golfinho oil fields in Block 20/11 and is expected to produce approximately 70,000 barrels of oil per day.
The conversion project, estimated at $6 billion, began with a formal ceremony during the vessel’s dry docking.
The initial phase involves dismantling existing components at the China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) shipyard under the supervision of the main contractor, Saipem.
The launch ceremony was attended by key officials including ANPG Executive Directors Ana Miala and Artur Custodio, Sonangol Chairman Gaspar Martins, TotalEnergies Angola CEO Martin Deffontaines, Petronas Angola Director Omar Abdul, and senior representatives from Saipem and CMHI.
According to Ana Miala, the FPSO Kaminho will be Angola’s second floating hybrid engine unit and will have a storage capacity of 1.6 million barrels. She emphasized its strategic significance:
“With the FPSO Kaminho, we will strengthen our production capacity and consolidate our vision of ensuring the continuity of oil operations in Angola while modernizing our industry and upskilling our workforce.”
Sonangol’s Chairman, Gaspar Martins, highlighted the project’s economic potential, especially for local suppliers:
“This venture will generate at least 40 million man-hours of work across Angolan shipyards and ensure 20 years of business opportunities for local service providers.”
Martin Deffontaines, CEO of TotalEnergies Angola, added that FPSO Kaminho represents the company’s seventh FPSO in Angola and aligns with its low-emissions strategy.
“This fully electric FPSO is equipped with advanced centralized power systems, variable-speed compressors, and a gas-free flare system. Produced gas will be reinjected into reservoirs, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
As Angola celebrates its 50th year of independence, the FPSO Kaminho stands as a symbol of renewed investment, energy independence, and technological advancement in the country’s offshore oil sector.
