Veolia, SBM Offshore to combine reverse osmosis desalination tech with offshore engineering expertise to tackle water management challenges
Veolia and SBM Offshore have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to address the convergence of water scarcity, energy transition and industrial transformation, they say.
Through this strategic partnership, the companies will develop and deploy innovative freshwater floating production units (FPUs), combining advanced reverse osmosis desalination technology with proven offshore engineering expertise to offer a sustainable, ocean-based solution to address global water demand.
The partnership targets multiple market segments facing acute water stress, including mining operations in water-scarce regions seeking to reduce their environmental impact and secure social licence to operate.
These floating desalination units will be able to produce up to 100,000 cu.m of freshwater daily. Beyond their production capacity, they offer strategic flexibility, able to be deployed rapidly with shorter, more robust delivery timelines compared with onshore construction. They are also scaled to match evolving requirements and relocated as demand patterns shift. This adaptability helps industrial clients secure water independence, reduce competition for water resources with local communities and demonstrate environmental stewardship, the companies say.
This strategic alliance combines Veolia’s position as world leader in water technologies and renowned desalination expertise with SBM Offshore’s decades of experience in designing, building and operating floating offshore production systems, the companies say. Veolia will deploy its most advanced reverse osmosis desalination technologies and water treatment processes within these units. Together, the companies will develop comprehensive engineering, procurement, construction, installation, commissioning and long-term operation solutions for sustainable ocean-based water production.
Olivier Icyk, SBM’s Chief Business Officer, said: “This partnership with Veolia marks an important moment in SBM Offshore’s journey to diversify our business. By combining our expertise in ocean infrastructure with Veolia’s leading desalination technology, we are taking bold steps to deliver sustainable solutions for water-stressed regions. Together, we are unlocking new markets in the blue economy and reaffirming our commitment to a responsible energy transition.”
Arnaud Valleteau, CEO of Veolia’s Engineering & Procurement Projects, Water Tech, said: “Water security has become inseparable from energy security, resource security and industrial competitiveness. As industries transition to more sustainable operations, reliable water access has become a strategic imperative, not just an operational requirement. We are proud to collaborate with SBM Offshore, whose offshore engineering excellence is globally recognised, to deliver solutions that address this critical need with unprecedented flexibility and speed. This innovative partnership is a concrete example of our GreenUp strategic program in action, enabling industries and communities to build resilience, reduce their environmental footprint and secure their future in an increasingly water-constrained world.”
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