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FPSO Almirante Tamandaré arrives in Brazil with record capacity to boost production in the Búzios Field

Written by Caio Aviz
Published 25/10/2024 às 16:10
FPSO Almirante Tamandaré being towed at sea, with support vessels around and the Petrobras logo in the lower left corner.
FPSO Almirante Tamandaré, a floating oil production, storage and offloading unit, in operation in Brazil, with support vessels around it and the Petrobras logo. Source: AI-generated
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Admiral Tamandaré boosts oil production in Brazil and strengthens pre-salt

The FPSO Almirante Tamandaré, with a production capacity of 225.000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and 12 million cubic meters of gas, represents a milestone in Brazilian exploration. Packed with cutting-edge technologies for decarbonization and energy efficiency, the unit arrived in Brazil to operate in the Búzios Field, in the Santos Basin, off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.

FPSO Almirante Tamandaré: the biggest reinforcement for pre-salt oil production

The Almirante Tamandaré platform is the latest addition to Brazil’s offshore infrastructure portfolio. It is a floating production unit (FPSO) with a high capacity that highlights the country’s progress in pre-salt exploration, consolidating it as one of the major global players in the oil and gas sector. This FPSO came directly from China, where it was manufactured by the CMHI shipyard, and is the first unit with this capacity in the Búzios Field, one of the most promising Brazil's oil and gas reservoirs.

With its arrival in the country, Almirante Tamandaré will join five other platforms already operating in the area: FPSOs P-74, P-75, P-76, P-77 and Almirante Barroso, strengthening the potential of the Brazilian pre-salt.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

Main features of the FPSO Almirante Tamandaré:

  • Production capacity: up to 225 thousand barrels of oil per day (bpd).
  • Natural gas processing: up to 12 million cubic meters per day.
  • sustainable technologies: Emission control equipment and heat recovery systems.
  • Source: Manufactured at the CMHI shipyard in China and transported to Brazil.

Búzios and its strategic importance in the pre-salt layer of the Santos Basin

The Búzios Field, where the Almirante Tamandaré platform will be installed, is the largest pre-salt field in production in Brazil and one of the largest in the world in terms of exploration potential. Located in the Santos Basin, near the coast of Rio de Janeiro, this field has reserves estimated at billions of barrels of oil equivalent. Exploration in the Búzios Field not only benefits the local and national economy, but also strengthens Brazil as one of the largest oil producers in the world.

With the increase in production capacity thanks to units such as the FPSO Almirante Tamandaré, Brazil can approach new global markets and strengthen its position in the energy sector. For the petrobrass, main operator in the field, this platform means more efficiency, continuous production on a large scale and return on investment.

How FPSO Almirante Tamandaré technology reduces environmental impacts

In addition to its high production capacity, the FPSO Almirante Tamandaré incorporates technologies aimed at sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global trends towards energy production with lower environmental impact. These technologies include:

  1. Closed flare system: Unlike conventional platforms, Almirante Tamandaré has a gas burning system called a “closed flare”, which prevents the release of large volumes of unused natural gas into the atmosphere. This drastically reduces CO₂ emissions, contributing to the industry’s decarbonization efforts.
  2. Heat recovery: Another innovation is the heat recovery system, which uses the heat generated by operations to power equipment, reducing the need for additional energy and improving the platform's energy efficiency.
  3. Advanced processing technologies: The FPSO also has modern systems for treating water and gas, allowing more efficient use of the extracted natural resources.

These elements reinforce the commitment of Petrobras and other operators to seek more sustainable forms of production, a growing priority in the face of climate change and the demands of investors and regulators.

Importance of FPSO for the expansion of Petrobras and Brazilian oil production

The installation of the FPSO Almirante Tamandaré is also part of a broader strategy by Petrobras to expand its oil and gas production capacity, especially in high-productivity areas such as the pre-salt layer. This platform, when combined with five other units already installed, will increase the total production of the Búzios Field, increasing Brazil's competitiveness in the international energy market.

Petrobras has invested in FPSO technology due to its versatility and capacity to operate in deep waters, where pre-salt fields are located. With Almirante Tamandaré, Brazil is not only increasing its production capacity, but also integrating new sustainable operational practices, aligned with the company's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.

Advances in FPSOs: Trends and future investments in Brazil

The FPSO Almirante Tamandaré is part of a global movement toward the use of floating platforms for operations in ultra-deep and difficult-to-access waters. Petrobras has invested billions in FPSO technology, and this investment has proven effective in fields such as Búzios. FPSO platforms have been favored by operators around the world due to their advantages in flexibility, lower installation costs in deep waters, and greater storage capacity.

In Brazil, where pre-salt oil reserves have attracted the attention of major investors, FPSO platforms have been playing a crucial role. New platforms are expected to be launched in the coming years to meet the increased demand. Petrobras already has plans to build and install new FPSO units, which will further strengthen the country’s oil and gas sector.

What to expect for the future of the oil and gas sector in Brazil

The development of pre-salt infrastructure, including platforms such as Almirante Tamandaré, points to a promising future for the oil and gas sector in Brazil. This growth is expected to generate jobs, regional development and revenues that can be reinvested in strategic areas of the economy. In addition, advances in sustainable technologies for oil and natural gas exploration and production make Brazil an example of responsible development in the energy industry.

In addition to the Búzios Field, the pre-salt layer has other fields with great potential that await new technologies for more efficient and safe exploration. With the continued advancement of offshore technologies, the country will be better positioned to lead the sustainable energy market, exporting not only oil but also innovative energy production practices.

The arrival of the FPSO Almirante Tamandaré marks a new phase for the Brazilian offshore industry, especially in the context of the Santos Basin pre-salt layer. With an impressive capacity of 225.000 barrels of oil per day and state-of-the-art sustainable technologies, this platform represents a significant step forward for Petrobras and the oil and gas sector in Brazil. It increases national production capacity, boosts the economy and helps consolidate Brazil as a relevant player in the global energy market.

Investments in FPSO platforms, such as Almirante Tamandaré, demonstrate that the country is not only seeking greater productivity, but also sustainability and technological innovation. With more units planned for the coming years, Brazil will continue to lead the exploration of pre-salt oil, playing a prominent role in global energy production.

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emergen57
emergen57
26/10/2024 09:03

Came directly from China. Brazilian engineer is only good for driving Uber. Sad country.

Marcos Antonio Ambrosio
Marcos Antonio Ambrosio(@marcosantonioambrosio)
26/10/2024 21:53

He talked a lot and said nothing.

Caio Aviz

I write about the offshore market, focusing on oil and gas, job vacancies, renewable energy, mining and the economy. Always seeking daily updates and relevant topics, I present rich, considerable and meaningful content.

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