Ricardo de Luca
The success of the most recent oil auctions has reinforced Brazil´s position as one of the main players for E&P investments, with capacity to double its production in the short-term. Therefore, the number of subsea projects is expected to double, which include the demand for new subsea technologies, equipment, and services.
Written by Ricardo de Luca, Oil & Gas Director – Porto do Açu Operações – for Nordic Light 2-2020 December edition.
In the last 3 years, the bids for exploratory blocks have attracted more than US$ 10 billion, representing more than 75 percent of the capital volume the IOCs have invested in exploratory fields in this period worldwide.
One example is Petrobras, which, for the first time in 8 years has approved the tender for 2 new FPSOs and the leasing of a third one for the Búzios Oil Field, in addition to drilling rigs, well services and subsea systems.
With the production increasing, the order of at least 2 FPSOs per year is expected in the next 10 years. The Brazilian industry is experiencing a ramp up, implying a number of opportunities for the subsea segment.
Ricardo De Luca and his team from Porto do Açu will be discussing this and other aspects of the oil and gas sector at the 1st virtual edition of Rio Oil & Gas, taking place from December 1-3, 2020
To leverage from the sector rebound, companies have invested heavily in operational safety and business efficiency. These also happen to be some of the key differentials provided at Port of Açu, located nearby the main O&G basins. Together with its available area for growth and the expertise of the leading O&G companies already installed, it represents a perfect combination that consolidates the port as a subsea hub.
The pandemic confirmed risk intelligence is a key factor for sustainable business continuity. Port of Açu’s priority at this stage is to show the O&G service market that operating at Açu means being accompanied by the best players in the sector, mitigating risks and preparing for a promising future.
The port offers a unique one-stop-shop concept, as various players already installed operate in synergy to meet different client demands. The first success case is B-Port, the world largest offshore support base. TechnipFMC and NOV manufacture flexible pipes for oil exploration. Dome handles oversized structures and houses the new TechnipFMC’s spoolbase for rigid lines. InterMoor and OceanPact offer their know-how in mooring and emergency services. The Multicargo terminal T-Mult handles O&G project cargo and also offers services such as mooring and maintenance. The Oil Transhipment Terminal T-Oil is responsible for handling more than 25% of the Brazilian oil exports. All these companies contribute with their expertise to Açu´s status as a 1-stop-shop.
In terms of multimodality, Açu has partnered up with Cabo Frio Airport allowing for integrated logistics services. In addition, Açu’s heliport will provide a key solution for the transport of offshore personnel. Last but not least, the newly launched feeder service in partnership with carrier Norsul now transports containers and project cargo from Rio de Janeiro to Açu.
The fertile environment at Açu is there to support the rising subsea and offshore business. As an example, many Norwegian companies have already chosen Açu as their partner, e.g. Equinor, DOF, Seadrill and BW and they are ready to welcome many more in the near future.
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