Petrobras Will Deactivate Platforms That Are 25 Years Old or More.

Petrobras Will Initiate The Process Of Decommissioning Old Platforms This Year.

Petrobras is expected to start deactivating old platforms this year. The decommissioning was already on Petrobras’ agenda, and eight platforms were set to be decommissioned by 2021 in the Campos Basin. According to the National Agency of Petroleum (ANP), at least 41% of the active platforms qualify as old and likely need decommissioning – this would represent around 60 units that have been in use for 25 years or more. Therefore, new platforms will need to be built to replace the existing ones.

The tragedy that occurred at the Brumadinho dam (MG) could accelerate the program. With 169 confirmed deaths, the rupture of Vale’s Dam I at the Córrego do Feijão Mine sparked a debate about the extent of the fragility of the safety culture in the country, especially concerning assets at the end of their useful life. Decommissioning is a new activity in Brazil and involves assets in deep waters, which is inherently challenging. However, even in shallow waters, the subject has its complexities.

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According to Tezeu Bezerra, the general coordinator of Sindipetro Norte Fluminense, decommissioning exacerbates an already concerning situation. He stated that the reduction of on-board personnel and cost-cutting measures are worrisome. “When assets are put up for sale, they exit the investment priority. Decommissioning adds another concern as it will mainly occur with assets that are being sold to smaller companies,” he said.

Petrobras clarified that it follows all regulations “aiming to maintain the integrity of the units, regardless of age” On the risks associated with decommissioning, the company stated that risks are “properly assessed during the planning stages” and “constantly controlled and reevaluated until the conclusion of activities.” “Petrobras meets legal requirements and prioritizes asset integrity and operational safety at all stages of the project lifecycle, including the decommissioning phase,” it informed.

The ANP clarified that it operates in three major regulatory fronts related to operational safety, with the first being oversight (the agency inspects each installation every two years). The tripod is also formed by ongoing dialogue with the market and development of a regulatory framework focused on management systems that encourage “continuous improvement and the development of best practices.”

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