In the dynamic world of offshore oil and gas, change isn’t just inevitable—it’s essential. At Grandweld Shipyards, we believe every challenge is an opportunity to push boundaries. That belief came to life in one of our most ambitious projects to date: the conversion of AM Passion.

Originally a Platform Supply Vessel (PSV), AM Passion has now been reimagined as a fully operational Well Stimulation Vessel for SLB. This wasn’t just a routine upgrade. It was a complete transformation—delivered with precision, speed, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

A Vision Transformed into Reality

In June 2024, SLB awarded us this prestigious project through a competitive tender process. From the outset, we knew this wasn’t just about changing a vessel’s function—it was about redefining its purpose.

Before the ship even docked at Dubai Maritime City in July, our teams were already deep into planning, design, procurement, and prefabrication. By the time AM Passion arrived, we were ready to hit the ground running—setting the stage for a seamless execution.

Engineering Complexity at its Finest

The scale of transformation was extraordinary. To make way for a new generation of systems, we removed existing components like cranes, cement tanks, and rescue equipment. In their place, over 400 tons of new steel structures were carefully crafted and installed, including:

  • A well test workshop
  • High-pressure pump room
  • Acid storage facilities
  • Proppant silos and blenders
  • Switchboard and generator rooms
  • A fully equipped offshore laboratory

This wasn’t just about adding equipment—it was about rethinking how the vessel works from the inside out.

Smart Piping with 3D Precision

More than 50 unique piping systems—spanning both stainless steel and carbon steel—were modeled in 3D before fabrication. This digital-first approach minimized spatial conflicts, ensured smoother installation, and significantly reduced project timelines. These pipelines are now responsible for handling everything from seawater and acid to nitrogen and proppants during stimulation operations.

Crew-Centric Modifications

A vessel’s performance depends as much on its people as its machinery. Grandweld repurposed multiple accommodation areas to serve new operational needs, including a state-of-the-art STIM Control Room, alongside wellness facilities such as a recreational room and gym, recognizing the importance of crew welfare during long offshore deployments.

Precision Mechanical & Electrical Integration

Over 50 major mechanical systems—including high-pressure pumps, nitrogen generators, HVAC units, cranes, and burner booms—were installed with engineering precision. In parallel, Grandweld provided skilled manpower to support SLB’s electrical team with cable routing, terminations, and integrations, ensuring robust functionality across all systems.

Heavy Lifts, Zero Margin for Error

Some components, such as the heavy-duty cranes and pump units, required intricate heavy-lift operations with cranes of up to 500 tons in capacity. Grandweld’s team developed detailed rigging and lift plans to ensure every lift was performed safely and efficiently. These carefully orchestrated maneuvers underscore the project’s technical rigor.

Safety Beyond Compliance

With over 280,000 manhours logged, the AM Passion project recorded zero Lost Time Incidents (LTI)—a testament to Grandweld’s unwavering commitment to Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) protocols. Every task, from the smallest weld to the heaviest lift, was conducted with safety at the forefront.

Delivering Excellence – On Time, Every Time

In less than nine months, AM Passion emerged as a new breed of offshore vessel—engineered to stimulate, built to endure, and ready to perform. It’s a true example of what’s possible when precision meets purpose.

This transformation wasn’t just about one ship. It was about setting a new standard for what a shipyard can achieve. And at Grandweld Shipyards, we are only just getting started.