SLB Secures Major Subsea Contract for Brazilian Ultra-Deepwater Fields
Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, 3 August 2024.
SLB OneSubsea wins a significant contract from Petrobras for subsea production systems in Brazil’s Santos Basin. The project, focusing on the Atapu and Sepia fields, will support two new FPSO platforms with daily capacities of 225,000 barrels of oil and 10 million cubic meters of gas each.
A Strategic Win for SLB OneSubsea
The recent contract win by SLB OneSubsea marks a pivotal moment in the energy sector, particularly for the development of ultra-deepwater oil fields. SLB OneSubsea is a joint venture comprising SLB, Aker Solutions, and Subsea7. This partnership has been instrumental in securing the contract from Petrobras (NYSE: PBR), one of the leading oil and gas companies in Brazil. The contract covers the supply of subsea production systems, including vertical pre-salt trees, subsea distribution units, and control systems for the Atapu and Sepia fields in the Santos Basin.
Technological Innovation and Local Production
The innovative aspect of this project lies in the technological advancements and local production capabilities of SLB OneSubsea. The vertical trees and subsea control systems, critical components of the subsea production systems, will be produced and serviced at SLB OneSubsea’s facilities in Brazil. This local production not only enhances the efficiency and reliability of the systems but also supports Brazil’s economic growth by creating jobs and fostering technological advancements within the country.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The development of the Atapu and Sepia fields is not just a technological triumph but also promises significant environmental and economic benefits. The two new FPSO platforms, P-84 and P-85, are designed to minimize greenhouse gas emissions through an all-electric configuration and advanced technologies such as waste heat recovery and closed flare systems. Each platform will have a daily production capacity of 225,000 barrels of oil and 10 million cubic meters of gas, contributing substantially to Brazil’s energy supply and economic stability.
Petrobras’s Strategic Vision
Petrobras, the state-controlled oil company, has been at the forefront of deep and ultra-deepwater oil exploration since its establishment in 1953. With over 100 production platforms, 16 refineries, and 30,000 kilometers of pipelines, Petrobras has consistently demonstrated its capability to innovate and overcome challenges. The final investment decision (FID) for the second development phase of the Atapu and Sepia fields, made in May 2024, underscores Petrobras’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology and strategic partnerships to enhance its production capabilities.
Future Prospects
The successful deployment of subsea production systems in the Atapu and Sepia fields is expected to significantly boost Brazil’s oil production. According to industry projections, Brazil could become the world’s fourth-largest oil producer by 2030, thanks to discoveries in the pre-salt region. This contract not only strengthens the partnership between SLB OneSubsea and Petrobras but also positions Brazil as a key player in the global energy market. The FPSOs are expected to start production in 2029, marking a new era of energy production with reduced environmental impact and increased efficiency.