Oceanographic Barge for Petroamazonas (Ecuador)
EPC of an Oceanographic Barge for Offshore Operations – Petroamazonas, Ecuador
THE PROJECT
VES was contracted to design and construct an Oceanographic Barge to support offshore oil and gas exploration and production operations in Ecuador’s Gulf of Guayaquil.
This multipurpose barge was conceived to provide cargo transport and offshore services, with a design life of 25+ years, full ABS certification, and the ability to replace third-party chartered vessels, significantly reducing operating costs for Petroamazonas.
The contract was signed in December 2012 and ratified in July 2013, established VES as the prime contractor for engineering, procurement, and construction. Despite contractual challenges and scope redefinition to include drilling support capabilities, VES advanced engineering, compliance, and project execution preparation in alignment with Petroamazonas’ requirements
Oceanographic Barge Construction
Designed for offshore cargo transport and services.
Long-Term Utility
Service life of 25+ years with ABS certification.
Advanced Deployment
Extensive use of ROVs and commercial diving teams.
Cost Savings
Replacement of third-party chartered barges and reduction of mobilization/demobilization costs.
Scope Redefinition
Adjusted design to support drilling, including crane, propulsion, and accommodations.
Contract
Originally with PetroEcuador and ratified by Petroamazonas
Economic Impact
Expected return on investment in under 5 years.
Dual-Site Delivery
Managed design modifications during construction to ensure full client satisfaction.
Flexible Use
Potential rental to operators in Block 3 and support for Block 6 operations in Ecuador
Optimized Production Continuity
VES project management minimized downtime, protecting daily gas output.
Where Others See Barriers
VES brings the insight, discipline, and execution to move projects forward.
Challenge
Project Cancellation After Engineering Delivery
Solution
VES delivered an ABS-certified engineering package, ensuring lasting value and readiness for future development despite the project’s construction halt.
Challenge
Contract Ratification Delays
Solution
Maintained technical progress, completed engineering, and ensured compliance with ABS standards while awaiting client ratification.
Challenge
Scope Redefinition Mid-Contract
Solution
Integrated additional requirements (drilling support, propulsion, crane, accommodations) into engineering without compromising quality or timelines.
Challenge
Payment & Approval Bottlenecks
Solution
Delivered engineering and invoicing per contract terms, engaged with Petroamazonas management to request timely payment and authorization to proceed.
Challenge
Execution Strategy Alignment
Solution
Proposed alternatives — treating the contract as a project under FIC administration or as a material procurement contract, ensuring flexibility for Petroamazonas’ internal structure
Valkor services executed in this project
VES provided engineering management and technical oversight for the design and construction of an oceanographic crane barge. Our team ensured design compliance, constructability, and seamless coordination between international engineering teams and fabrication yards, delivering a fully compliant vessel ready for offshore operations.
Project Relevance
Strategic Asset
First state-owned oceanographic barge for Petroamazonas, supporting offshore development in the Gulf of Guayaquil.
National Value
Strengthened Ecuador’s offshore oil and gas infrastructure while reducing dependency on third-party assets.
Certified Quality
ABS classification ensured international safety and construction standards.
Return on Investment
Projected to pay back within 5 years through cost savings and rental potential.
VES Role in Oceanographic Barge for Petroamazonas (Ecuador)
The Petroamazonas Oceanographic Barge project was conceived as a strategic offshore asset to strengthen Ecuador’s oil and gas infrastructure. VES successfully completed and delivered the detailed engineering package in full compliance with ABS standards, demonstrating technical excellence and project discipline. Although the client ultimately chose not to proceed with construction, VES provided Petroamazonas with a complete, certifiable design that remains a valuable reference for future offshore initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
VES applied full engineering discipline and project control throughout the Petroamazonas Oceanographic Barge development, ensuring compliance with ABS standards, technical precision, and seamless coordination across all phases of the design package.
Engineering &
Design Delivery
Completed and submitted detailed engineering for client approval.
Contract & Compliance Management
Coordinated ratification, scope adjustments, and legal/financial approvals with Petroamazonas.
Project Redefinition
Adapted barge design to drilling support requirements (crane, propulsion, accommodations).
Client Engagement
Maintained ongoing technical and management communications to drive project execution forward.
Key Phases
In the offshore oil and gas industry, an EPC contract (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) is a turnkey delivery model where a single contractor is responsible for the entire project lifecycle — from initial design to offshore installation.
Engineering
Developing detailed designs, technical specifications, and execution plans.
Procurement
Sourcing and supplying all equipment, materials, and specialized tools.
Construction
Fabrication, assembly, and preparation of subsea and topside structures.
Transforming potential into modern, functional, and future-ready work environments.
Building spaces that inspire growth
Contact us to start your next project.
