A new partnership between Veolia and deepwater ocean infrastructure company SBM Offshore will bring together the pair’s water technologies and desalination expertise for the advancement of freshwater floating production units.
The near-shore desalination units will produce up to 100,000 m³ of freshwater daily, serving mining as well as the petrochemical and municipal sectors of water-stressed regions. The freshwater floating production units (FPUs) will combine advanced reverse osmosis desalination technology with proven offshore engineering expertise to offer a sustainable, ocean-based solution to address global water demand.
Beyond production capacity, the units will offer strategic flexibility, including rapid deployment with shorter, more robust delivery timelines compared to onshore construction. They can be scaled to match evolving requirements and also 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 – all critical elements of their broader transformation toward more resilient and responsible operations.
The companies will develop comprehensive engineering, procurement, construction, installation, commissioning and long-term operation solutions for sustainable ocean-based water production, they said.
Olivier Icyk, SBM CBO, called the pact an important moment in its 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,” Icyk said.
Arnaud Valleteau, CEO of Veolia’s engineering & procurement projects, Water Tech, added: “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.
“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.”
Sources: Veolia Water Technologies and SBM Offshore