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Petrobras and Modec stand out with highly efficient units in the use of associated gas, driving environmental goals for the Brazilian offshore industry
The Oil and Gas Brazilian oil company takes a decisive step towards cleaner production with the release of the ranking of the country's most sustainable platforms. The leader was the FPSO Cidade de Itaguaí MV-26, operated by MODEC in the Tupi field (Lula), which achieved the highest environmental performance among the 20 largest production units in Brazil in 2024.
With an Associated Gas Utilization Index (IUGA) of 99,56% and an average daily burn of only 29,6 thousand cubic meters, the unit has established a new level of operational efficiency. The platform operates in a consortium operated by Petrobras (65%), next to Shell (25%) and Petrogal Brasil (10%).
Since 2021, Petrobras has adopted IGEE — Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity — as a strategic metric as one of the main indicators linked to the variable remuneration of its employees, reinforcing its commitment to reducing emissions in operations.
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Pre-salt platforms respond to environmental demands with cutting-edge solutions
The pursuit of environmental excellence has led to technological advancements in production units. New platforms are designed with a focus on decarbonization, using solutions such as:
- FGRU (Flare Gas Recovery Unit), eliminating routine flaring;
- HC Blanketing, which avoids emissions from cargo tanks;
- CCUS, with CO₂ capture and reinjection;
- And combined cycle steam turbines for consistent energy gains.
This movement reflects the maturity of the Brazilian offshore sector, which balances production targets with climate responsibility.
Petrobras consolidates leadership with double presence on the podium
In second place in the ranking was FPSO P-70 with IUGA 99,12% and average burn of 47,9 thousand m³/day, operating in the field of atapu, led by Petrobras with an 89,25% stake, in a consortium with Shell, TotalEnergies, Petrogal and the state-owned company PPSA.
Third place went to FPSO P-71, located in the field of Itapu, operated exclusively by Petrobras. The unit recorded a IUGA 99,01%, with an average burn of 19,5 thousand m³/day, reinforcing the state-owned company’s leading role in sustainable practices in the pre-salt layer.
Technical criteria prioritized efficiency proportional to the gas processed
The IUGA index was adopted as the main parameter for the ranking because it more fairly represents operational performance. Platforms that operate with the gas plant at full load face greater challenges to avoid flaring. For example, two units that burn 30 m³/day may have different performances if one is operating with a capacity of 3 million m³/day and the other with 6 million — the second will demonstrate greater proportional efficiency.
In this way, the analysis respects the complexity of operations and values units that operate at the technical limit with high environmental performance.
Commitment to carbon neutrality goals requires continuous effort
The achievement of the top positions in the sustainability ranking reinforces the alignment of Petrobras and its partners with global carbon reduction goals. The technological evolution of the units, combined with strict internal policies, positions Brazil as a reference in low-emission offshore exploration.
However, maintaining this standard requires continuous investment in innovation, operational control and environmental management. The expectation is that the next FPSOs will enter into operation already adapted to even more restrictive requirements, consolidating a new sustainable production model.
Sources:
- (1) Petrobras Technical Report – IGEE Metric
- (2) 2024 Ranking of the 20 largest oil producing platforms – ANP
- (3) Endorsed by Vitor de Paula – O&G Communicator
Do you believe that the decarbonization goals adopted by Petrobras can influence the entire supply chain of the Brazilian offshore industry?
