Luanda, September 3, 2025 — Bourbon Mobility has secured a major five-year contract with ExxonMobil in Angola, reinforcing its long-standing offshore presence in the region and launching a new fleet of customized 34-meter crewboats tailored for personnel transfers between Soyo and Block 15, approximately 80 miles offshore.
Contract Highlights & Vessel Specs
- Duration: 5-year charter agreement with ExxonMobil’s operations in Block 15.
- Vessel Type: New 34-meter crewboats, designed for enhanced passenger transfer, reliability, and energy performance.
- Performance & Efficiency:
- Cruising speed of 38 knots.
- Fuel consumption reduced by 10–15% compared to the older 32-meter crewliners.
- Onboard Improvements:
- 60 ergonomically designed passenger seats with individual USB ports.
- Expanded 18 m² forward deck for carrying light cargo.
- Redesigned bridge with enhanced visibility and ergonomics.
- Integrated real-time energy monitoring system (EFMS).
- Design & Delivery: Crafted by France’s MAURIC naval design office, with delivery slated for Angola in 2027.
According to Nicolas Elizon, Bourbon Mobility’s Director of Operations and New Builds:
“This contract confirms the strength of our partnership with ExxonMobil… we reaffirm our capacity to innovate and deliver operationally and environmentally sound solutions.”
These new crewboats will replace existing 32-meter vessels and complement Bourbon’s fleet in Angola, which includes “Surfers” and support vessels under the Sonasurf joint venture. Bourbon operates approximately 110 modern offshore support vessels in West Africa, with Sonasurf responsible for local operations staffed heavily by Angolan personnel.
Industry Implications
| Key Impact | Description |
|---|---|
| Renewed Partnership Depth | The five-year contract reinforces a longstanding relationship with ExxonMobil, underscoring Bourbon’s reliability and technical prowess in Angola. |
| Operational Efficiency | New models delivering 10–15% better fuel economy and enhanced crew comfort align with rising energy efficiency and ESG expectations in offshore operations. |
| Fleet Modernization & Upgrade | The move replaces older vessels with higher-performance assets, improving logistical support and safety for offshore personnel transfers. |
| Local Content & Strategic Presence | Delivery to Angola by 2027 shows Bourbon’s commitment to regional presence and capability, particularly through its Sonasurf JV emphasizing Angolan staffing and operations. |
Why It Matters
- Competitive Differentiation
- Bourbon introduces superior, fuel-efficient vessels at competitive charter rates, likely maintaining leadership against other OSV (Offshore Support Vessel) operators in Angola.
- Environmental Standards & Efficiency
- Fuel savings and real-time monitoring align the fleet with global sustainability trends, enhancing Bourbon’s ESG credentials—an increasingly important factor for upstream clients.
- Strengthened Local Footprint
- Bourbon’s Sonasurf JV, with its high proportion of Angolan staff and ISO-quality efforts, reinforces the company’s reputation as a trusted local partner.
- Offshore Support Resilience
- Angola’s deepwater blocks are experiencing renewed investment from majors like ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies. Bourbon’s enhanced fleet readiness positions it to capture more support contracts amidst rising offshore activity.
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