Global energy technology leader SLB has announced that its OneSubsea™ joint venture has been awarded a significant contract by Petrobras. This award, secured through a competitive tender process, involves the provision of two subsea raw seawater injection (RWI) systems to enhance recovery at the highly productive Búzios field offshore Brazil.
The subsea RWI systems are designed to increase the efficiency of floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels, addressing current bottlenecks in their water injection capacities. These systems will play a critical role in optimizing reservoir pressurization, enabling greater oil recovery while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per barrel of oil. Compared to conventional topside injection systems, the subsea RWI approach offers a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution.
“As deepwater basins mature, we see more and more secondary recovery opportunities emerging,” said Mads Hjelmeland, CEO of SLB OneSubsea. “Subsea raw seawater injection is a well-proven application with a strong business case that we think should become mainstream. By placing the system directly on the seabed, we free up space and reduce fuel needs for the FPSOs as well as lessen the power needs for the injection systems. It’s a win-win for Petrobras, and one that we are very excited about. This contract will consolidate our solid local content presence in the country, contributed by the largest manufacturing plants and state-of-the-art subsea service facilities in Brazil.”
The awarded contract encompasses the delivery of two complete subsea RWI systems to support Petrobras’ FPSOs P-74 and P-75. Each system will consist of a subsea seawater injection pump, an umbilical system, and a topside variable speed drive. These components are essential for enhancing the operational capacity and efficiency of the FPSOs, ensuring sustained production and reservoir management.
SLB OneSubsea’s involvement in this project will also bolster its multidisciplinary team in Brazil. This team, covering the entire processing value chain from field development to system engineering and life-of-field support, will be further strengthened to meet the demands of the project. Additionally, the team will utilize AI-enabled Subsea Live™ services, which provide continuous condition monitoring and access to domain experts. These services will enhance the reliability and performance of the subsea systems, ensuring optimal operation throughout their lifecycle.
The Búzios field, located in Brazil’s Santos Basin, is one of the largest and most prolific deepwater oil fields in the world. Petrobras’ decision to adopt subsea RWI systems reflects its commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to maximize resource recovery while minimizing environmental impact. The integration of these systems will not only address current operational challenges but also set a benchmark for sustainable practices in deepwater oil production.
By employing subsea RWI technology, Petrobras can achieve significant environmental and operational benefits. The placement of the injection systems on the seabed eliminates the need for additional topside equipment, freeing up valuable space on the FPSOs. This configuration also reduces fuel consumption and power requirements, contributing to lower operational costs and a smaller carbon footprint. These advantages align with global efforts to enhance the sustainability of oil and gas operations.
This contract further underscores SLB OneSubsea’s leadership in the subsea technology sector and its ability to deliver innovative solutions tailored to the needs of its clients. The company’s robust manufacturing infrastructure and state-of-the-art service facilities in Brazil will play a pivotal role in the successful execution of this project. Moreover, the collaboration with Petrobras highlights the importance of fostering strong partnerships to drive technological advancements and sustainable practices in the energy industry.
