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A strategic agreement was recently signed between the engineering multinational Wood and the Brazilian oil giant Petrobras. The partnership aims to develop conceptual studies aimed at optimizing Floating Production, Storage and Offloading Units (FPSO).
FPSO: the future of offshore production
In recent years, the FPSOs have become essential in offshore oil and gas exploration. However, with increasing environmental requirements, companies are looking to modernize their operations. Wood, recognized globally for its expertise in offshore engineering, was chosen by Petrobras to conduct this groundbreaking research. Expectations are high as the two companies have teamed up to explore new technological solutions capable of addressing operational and environmental challenges.
First study: fewer risks and greater reliability
The first study proposed by Wood and Petrobras will focus on developing concepts that reduce human exposure to risk during operations. FPSOs, due to their complexity, present significant risks to workers. Now, with the advancement of automation and the implementation of new technologies, it is possible to create projects that limit human presence in risk areas, increasing the safety of the entire operation.
Furthermore, operational reliability will be a priority. The oil and gas industry demands continuous efficiency, and this study aims to develop practical solutions to increase the robustness of systems, reducing the need for human intervention. To test these concepts, a practical evaluation will be carried out in one of the plant modules, analyzing the feasibility of implementing them across the entire FPSO unit.
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Second study: the FPSO of the future without emissions
The second study focuses on a true revolution: transforming Petrobras' current FPSO model into a unit without onboard power generation, being completely electrified by external sources.
- Electrified FPSOs: Instead of burning fossil fuels to generate energy, as is the case with conventional FPSOs, the new proposal is for the unit to be powered by external sources, such as offshore generation centers or even by connection to onshore energy systems.
- Environmental impact: This change could eliminate one of the largest sources of carbon emissions from FPSOs, representing a significant step forward in the quest for more sustainable operations.
With this, the project aims not only to meet constantly evolving environmental requirements, but also to position Petrobras as a leader in the innovation of sustainable offshore technologies.
Innovation and collaboration to reduce emissions in the oil sector
The studies that will be developed between Wood and Petrobras have as a fundamental characteristic the use of innovative technological solutions, many of which have never been applied to conventional FPSO projects. John Day, president of Wood’s Oil, Gas and New Energies division, said the collaboration is a unique opportunity for both companies to explore concepts that have not yet been explored by the industry.
The project is aligned with the global goals of decarbonisation of the energy sector, aiming to reduce emissions and promote safer and more efficient operational practices. The partnership also reflects the mutual trust between the companies, with Wood bringing to the table its vast experience in offshore engineering and Petrobras contributing its extensive technical and practical knowledge in the field of FPSOs.
Wood and Petrobras: a successful partnership with global reach
The project will be executed primarily by Wood’s Houston office, with local support from the Rio de Janeiro office. The international collaboration does not stop there: Wood’s Sandefjord office in Norway, which specializes in marine systems and offshore hulls, will also participate in the development of the studies. This integration between teams from different countries underscores the global nature of the partnership and the diverse expertise involved.
- Houston Office: Project execution center, which will coordinate activities and collaboration between teams.
- Rio de Janeiro Office: Essential local support, close to Petrobras, which will facilitate technical alignment.
- Sandefjord, Norway: One of the largest centers of expertise in offshore hulls, ensuring cutting-edge technical solutions.
Technology at the service of emissions reduction and safety
With increasing global demands around sustainability process, Petrobras recognizes the importance of innovation. The development of new technologies and processes for FPSOs represents a significant step towards meeting environmental goals, especially with regard to reducing emissions. In addition, safety remains an essential pillar, and the modernization of FPSO systems can generate lasting positive impacts for the entire industry.
The role of Cenpes in Petrobras' innovation
Another key point of this partnership is the involvement of Cenpes (Petrobras Research Center), one of the largest petroleum research centers in the world. Located in Rio de Janeiro, Cenpes plays a central role in the development of technologies that place Petrobras at the forefront of innovation in the oil and gas sector.
- Specialized team: Petrobras engineers, scientists and researchers, with extensive technical knowledge in FPSOs, will work together with Wood professionals.
- continuous innovation: Cenpes is responsible for developing the technologies that support the conceptual and detailed engineering projects (FEED), which will be applied to the new FPSOs.
Offshore sector trends: what to expect for the future?
The partnership between Wood and Petrobras is part of a global movement to transform the offshore sector, especially in oil and gas exploration. As the world commits to the energy transition, the role of FPSOs is being reimagined. Key trends include:
- Electrification of platforms: The use of external energy, such as offshore wind, to power FPSOs.
- Automation and digitalization: Increased use of technologies to monitor and operate FPSO units, reducing the need for human intervention.
- Emissions reduction: FPSOs of the future will be designed to minimize their environmental impact, using cleaner energy and technologies that maximize efficiency.
A project that promises to redefine the offshore energy sector
The partnership between Wood and Petrobras represents a milestone in the evolution of FPSOs, with a focus on operational efficiency and emission reduction. By joining forces between two oil and gas giants, the project aims not only to meet the demands of the present, but also to shape the future of offshore production. The use of innovative technologies and a commitment to safety and sustainability ensure that these new FPSOs are prepared for the challenges of the coming decades.
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