You are using an outdated browser For a better experience using this site, please upgrade to a modern web browser. Subscribe Get Daily Email Subscribe --> Contact Us Sign in Home News & Features Compliance Costs Bunker Prices Bunker Intelligence World News Latest Features World Americas EMEA Asia/Pacific Home News & Features World STS JV and TotalEnergies to Evaluate Wind-Assisted Towing for FPSO Vessel STS JV and TotalEnergies to Evaluate Wind-Assisted Towing for FPSO Vessel by Ship & Bunker News Team Monday July 20, 2026 Tweet Follow @shipandbunker The pilot will evaluate kite-assisted propulsion during the FPSO's tow to Suriname. Image Credit: SRM Offshore STS JV , the joint venture between SBM Offshore and Technip Energies , and TotalEnergies EP Suriname will test a wind-assisted towing system for the GranMorgu floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. The partners have signed an agreement with wind propulsion company Beyond the Sea to develop, install, test and operate the system, SBM Offshore said in a press release last week.  The project will evaluate Beyond the Sea's SeaKite 2400 technology during the FPSO's tow from its construction yard in China to offshore Suriname . Depending on wind conditions, the automated kite system is designed to reduce towing time and fuel consumption. The trial will be carried out in phases, including technology qualification, onshore testing and installation on the FPSO before departure from China . According to the companies, the project is expected to be the first application of kite-assisted towing for an FPSO. It will also evaluate the kite's launch and recovery system while collecting operational data to support future deployment on large vessels. Ship & Bunker News Team To contact the editor responsible for this story email us at [email protected] Also in the News Maritime Decarbonisation Body MMMCZCS Granted IMO Consultative Status The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero