Splash247: Bourbon lines up newbuilds for ExxonMobil in Angola

French OSV owner Bourbon has strengthened its long-standing relationship with ExxonMobil in Angola with a five-year charter for newbuild crew transfer vessels.

The deal will see Bourbon Mobility deliver tailor-made 34-m crewboats to shuttle personnel between Soyo and Block 15, located around 80 miles offshore. The new units will replace 32-m vessels currently in service and are designed for higher efficiency, greater comfort and improved reliability.

According to Bourbon, the newbuilds will offer a 10–15% reduction in fuel consumption compared with the existing fleet, while maintaining cruising speeds of up to 38 knots.

“This contract confirms the solidity of our partnership with ExxonMobil and the relevance of our customised offer,” said Nicolas Elizon, director of operations and newbuildings at Bourbon Mobility.

The newbuilds, designed by French naval architecture firm Mauric, are scheduled to join ExxonMobil’s operations in Angola in 2027.

The ExxonMobil award follows Bourbon’s recent five-year contract with Eni, signed in July, for six new S200X-G2 crewboats, which will support the Italian operator’s offshore activities in Congo from mid-2026.