Milestones galore as Trion momentum continues
As Trion's momentum continues apace, Woodside leaders recently visited construction sites in South Korea and China to witness the exciting progress of what will be Mexico’s first deepwater oil development.
EVP and CCO Mark Abbottsford paid a visit late September to the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) facility in Ulsan shipyard, Korea, where Trion’s three floating production unit (FPU) topside modules are undergoing fabrication. Mark’s guide was Tim Withall, Project Manager Delivery FPU FSO Trion.
Earlier in September, EVP and COO International Daniel Kalms visited the same facility, where last November he witnessed the first steel cut for the semi-submersible FPU. “It’s amazing to see the progress that has been made in less than a year,” Daniel remarked.
“We have the hull taking shape plus three topside modules well advanced. Pleasingly, this progress has been achieved safely.”
Daniel said Hyundai was once again proving to be a good partner, adding: “And I’m pleased with the collaborative approach from our site team working with them.”
Overall construction of the FPU, named Tlaloc after the Aztec God of rain, storms and fertility, has now passed the halfway mark. Detailed engineering has also been completed. The first keel was laid in June this year, turbo machinery delivered to site, the living quarters stacked in their final location in the pre-erection area and installation of the topsides processing modules has started.
Meanwhile in Qidong, China, the first steel cut for Trion’s floating storage offloading (FSO) vessel disconnectable turret mooring (DTM) system, engineered by SBM Offshore, took place on 20 September at the COSCO shipyard. This milestone marked the official start of construction of the FSO, named Chalchi, and signalled the opening of a brand-new chapter for the Trion project.
The FSO’s name is inspired by Chalchiuhtlicue, the Aztec water deity, and symbolises the project’s strong connection to Mexico’s rich heritage. Chalchi will be moored in 2,300 m of water and is designed to store up to 950,000 barrels of crude oil over its 27-year design life.
The Chalchi ceremony was also witnessed by VP Trion Stephane Drouaud who paid tribute to those Woodsiders and contractors responsible for achieving the milestone.
“I would like to congratulate SBM Offshore, COSCO SHIPPING and the Woodside team for achieving the Trion FSO first steel cut at the fabrication site,” Stephane said. “I am looking forward to continuing the collaboration with SBM to safely deliver the vessel, which is a very important part of our offshore infrastructure.”
Stephane reported Woodside was pleased with progress of Chalchi’s fabrication. “The FPU is the critical path for the project and HHI and our Woodside team are collaborating for meeting our goal to safely deliver a fully commissioned facility in Korea,” Stephane noted.
Of the many milestones passed, he said that perhaps the most satisfying was the two million work hours without a single lost time injury.
Trion is a joint venture between Woodside Energy (60%, operator) and PEMEX (40%) and is now 43% complete. The project is targeting first oil in 2028. Trion’s drill ship contract has been awarded to Transocean, with the Deepwater Thalassa confirmed to lead the campaign starting in Q1 2026.
