Back to overview Home Fossil Energy ABS endorses SBM Offshore’s Shell-backed FPSO deepwater cooling tech ABS endorses SBM Offshore’s Shell-backed FPSO deepwater cooling tech Certification & Classification May 26, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic Share this article Netherlands-based SBM Offshore, a provider of the design, construction, installation, and operation of offshore floating facilities, has received the green light for its seawater intake riser (SWIR) technology from American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a classification society. FPSO illustration; Source: SBM Offshore Following the application of its new technology qualification (NTQ) program to evaluate the prototype design, American Bureau of Shipping has released the statement of maturity for SBM Offshore’s seawater intake riser technology, which was developed in collaboration with Shell. The statement of maturity signifies that the technology is qualified to be incorporated into a production unit in the aftermath of tests and validation. The SWIR technology is described as featuring an innovative technique to pump colder seawater from around 700 meters below the ocean’s surface up to an FPSO’s topsides to be used for cooling purposes. Leile Froufe , ABS’ Vice President, Engineering, emphasized: “Completing the prototype validation stage is a testament to the strength of our collaborative relationship with SBM Offshore and our collective dedication to engineering excellence and safety. ABS is proud to support forward-thinking solutions that will refine and elevate the next generation of offshore energy infrastructure.” This seawater intake riser technology can use cold seawater for onboard process cooling and power generation, depending on process conditions and site characteristics, improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel gas consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in offshore oil and gas production. Laurent Le Touzé , SBM Offshore’s Technology & Product Development Director, commented: “SWIR’s