Veolia and SBM Offshore partner to deploy near-shore, floating desalination units
- Partnership combines Veolia's world-leading water technologies and desalination expertise with SBM's offshore engineering capabilities to deploy innovative freshwater floating production units.
- Near-shore desalination units will produce up to 100,000 m³ of freshwater daily, serving petrochemical, mining and municipal sectors in water-stressed regions.
- Strategic alliance enables industrial transformation by securing critical water resources, reducing environmental footprint and building operational resilience in an increasingly water-constrained world.
Veolia and SBM Offshore announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to address one of the defining challenges of our time: the convergence of water scarcity, energy transition and industrial transformation. 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.
As water scarcity increasingly impacts business continuity and regional stability, securing reliable freshwater resources has become essential for industrial operations and communities alike. The partnership targets multiple market segments facing acute water stress, including:
- Municipal water systems in coastal areas experiencing growing demand and climate-related supply disruptions.
- Mining operations in water-scarce regions seeking to reduce their environmental impact and secure social license to operate.
- Heavy industries requiring reliable freshwater supplies for their transition to lower-carbon operations.
These floating desalination units will be able to produce up to 100,000 cubic meters of freshwater daily — an amount equivalent to the needs of approximately 500,000 inhabitants. Beyond their production capacity, these units offer strategic flexibility: they can be deployed rapidly with shorter, more robust delivery timelines compared to onshore construction, 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 — all critical elements of their broader transformation toward more resilient and responsible operations.
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. Veolia will deploy its most advanced reverse osmosis desalination technologies and water treatment processes within these units, bringing proven, best-in-class solutions to this innovative offshore format. 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 recognized, 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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