VESSEL CONVERSION | Stella Energy 1 – Drilling rig rebuilt into floating production unit
UAE-based Drydocks World has completed the conversion of the inactive drilling rig Stella Energy 1 into a mobile offshore production unit (MOPU) for local operator Grander Energy.
The converted unit’s first assignment is the Sèmè Field Development Project offshore Benin, where it will form the production element of an arrangement paired with the floating storage and offloading vessel (FSO) Kristina.
The resulting MOPU–FSO solution will transfer oil from the production unit to the spread-moored FSO through an export flexible flowline. The storage vessel will then offload crude to a shuttle tanker via ship-to-ship transfer.
Stella Energy 1 was originally built in 1983. She has an LOA of 46.02 metres (151 feet), a beam of 47.54 metres (156 feet), a gross tonnage of 4,200, and a deadweight of 930.
Rig conversion as a means of reducing logistical requirements
The work on the MOPU is part of Grander Energy’s programme of converting existing self-elevating platforms for shallow water production. The company said this can accelerate development compared with constructing fixed jackets, while the units are generally deployable without the need for specialist offshore installation vessels.
As with other MOPU’s in Grander Energy’s fleet, Stella Energy 1 has a crude handling capacity of 30,000 barrels per day (bpd), a water handling capacity of 30,000 bpd, and a water injection capacity of 30,000 bpd. It also has a gas handling capacity of 15 million standard cubic feet (420,000 cubic metres) per day and 12 production manifolds.
The MOPU was rebuilt to ensure an operational service life of 10 years and to be able to accommodate 50 personnel. The conversion also entailed installation of API Spec 2C man-riding cranes, a CA437-compliant helideck, and compliance with the class requirements of both Bureau Veritas and the American Bureau of Shipping, according to Grander Energy.
Ready for immediate operation off Africa
Lime Petroleum said on November 19, 2025, that Stella Energy 1 was scheduled to reach the field by the end of that month. By January 9, 2026, the company reported that both the MOPU and Kristina had been upgraded and positioned on location.
On March 5, Lime reported completion of the MOPU–FSO hook-up. Kristina had been anchored, the flowline from Stella Energy 1 had been laid, and oil was flowing into the FSO during commissioning.
The company planned additional system tests and commissioning work to optimise production rates and begin regular production.
