Abstract The exploitation of Gulf of Mexico (GoM) Lower Tertiary reservoirs is confronted with many physical, technical and economic challenges, including ultra-deep water depth, remote locations, complex fluids and high reservoir pressure, harsh met-ocean conditions, and increased capital expenditure, etc. To address these challenges different floater and riser concepts have been studied by the industry. This paper documents a study on an FPSO concept with the Sevan-type cylindrical hull (CFPSO) in combination with Steel Catenary Risers (SCRs). In comparison to the ship-shaped FPSO combined with Free Standing Hybrid Riser (FSHR) solution, the CFPSO has inherently more favorable motion characteristics and is therefore more SCR friendly. In addition, the hull was designed with a central moonpool for hanging off SCRs and therefore coupling from roll/pitch motions was minimized. The CFPSO and SCR design is based on a hypothetical field in ultra-deepwater GoM Lower Tertiary play with HPHT reservoirs and central GoM met-ocean conditions. Based on preliminary motion data of the CFPSO, feasibility of SCR has been numerically evaluated in terms of strength and fatigue performances. Results based on first order wave response analysis show that strength and fatigue criteria were both satisfied in critical riser locations, indicating feasibility of the concept in this stage of the study. The paper represents one sub-scope of the RPSEA study "Low Cost Flexible Production System for Remote Ultra-Deepwater Gulf of Mexico Field Development.", Project No. 10121–4404–03.