UK shipbuilding company Harland and Wolff has announced a £61m ($74.2m) upgrade contract for the SeaRose floating production storage and offloading vessel.

The £61m contract was signed with vessel owners Cenovus Energy, a Canadian oil company.

The vessel which is set to arrive in Harland & Wolff’s Belfast yard by early 2024 is set to be placed in the Belfast construction dock for three months. Harland’s Belfast dock features two large drydocks, ample quayside and large fabrication halls.

According to the company, this is the second time they have welcomed the vessel to its construction sites, with the last visit being in 2012.

Harland & Wolff group CEO John Wood said: “I am delighted that Cenovus has chosen Harland & Wolff as its preferred yard to undertake the mid-life upgrade of the SeaRose.

“This is a significant win within our non-defence portfolio from a global, blue-chip energy group and I am pleased that we are gaining a reputation as a go-to yard for large and complex programmes. With an estimated 1,000 personnel on-site, this project will allow for further synergies in our execution, leveraging off of personnel, skill sets and supply chains that will support the upcoming FSS Programme.”

Harland & Wolff have stated that they are preparing for the arrival of the SeaRose vessel. This preparation includes activities such as inspections, steel procurement and block construction.

Alongside this, further fabrication has commenced to guarantee that the dock is completely equipped to begin restoration and upgrade work as soon as the vessel arrives.