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New Unit Will Be Installed in the Atapu Field, with a Forecast for Operation in 2029
Petrobras has begun construction of the P-84 platform modules at the Seatrium Aracruz Shipyard in Espírito Santo. With a capacity to process 225 thousand barrels of oil per day, the unit will be installed in the Atapu field, in the pre-salt of the Santos Basin, and is expected to start operations in 2029.
Start of Construction by Petrobras of P-84 in Espírito Santo
The Seatrium Aracruz Shipyard, formerly known as Jurong, has started assembling the modules of Petrobras’s P-84 platform. This unit is considered one of the largest oil production structures ever built, with a capacity to process 225 thousand barrels of oil per day. The platform will be installed in the Atapu field, located in the pre-salt of the Santos Basin, with a forecast for operations to begin in 2029.
Brazilian Participation in Construction
The construction of the P-84 will be divided among Brazil, China, and Singapore. The Espírito Santo shipyard will be responsible for three modules of the platform, representing 20% of the total structure. The other 80% will be assembled at Asian shipyards. During the peak of construction, an estimated 3,500 jobs will be created. Currently, the shipyard is engaged in constructing modules for the P-82 platform, employing about 5,000 direct and indirect workers.
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Expansion of Petrobras Projects
In addition to the P-84, Petrobras plans to start construction of the P-85 platform modules at Seatrium Aracruz in the first quarter of 2026. The P-84 and P-85 platforms will be installed in the Atapu and Sépia fields, respectively, both in ultra-deep waters (over 2,000 meters) in the pre-salt of the Santos Basin. The forecast is for the P-85 to begin operations in 2030. The total investment by Petrobras in these two platforms is estimated at around US$ 11 billion, although the state-owned company does not officially disclose the amounts.
Sustainable Technologies Incorporated
The P-84 and P-85 platforms will be equipped with various sustainable technologies, including:
- Zero routine venting: recovery of vented gases from cargo tanks and the processing plant.
- Deep seawater intake: use of water sourced from greater depths for cooling operations and other processes.
- Variable speed drives on pumps and compressors: improvement in energy efficiency.
- Cogeneration (Waste Heat Recovery Unit): use of waste heat for energy generation.
- Zero routine flaring: recovery of gases from the flare through a closed flare system.
- Valves with low fugitive emissions requirements: reduction of unintentional emissions.
- CO₂ capture, utilization, and geological storage: treatment and storage of the CO₂ produced along with the gas.
With production expected to start between 2029 and 2030, the P-84 and P-85 platforms represent a significant advancement for Petrobras in pre-salt exploration, establishing themselves as emblematic projects both for production capacity and sustainability.
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