Houston-based KBR has secured significant engineering contracts from Singapore’s Seatrium to develop the topsides for two new floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels that are destined for Petrobras’ Atapu and Sepia fields in the Santos Basin, located offshore Brazil. These contracts mark a critical step in Petrobras’ efforts to expand its deepwater operations and enhance production capabilities in one of the world’s most prolific oil regions.
Under the agreement, KBR will deliver detailed engineering services, along with technical procurement support, for the topsides of the FPSO P-84 and its sister vessel. The topsides refer to the upper section of the FPSO, where key production and processing equipment is housed. This includes facilities for oil and gas separation, treatment, storage, and offloading operations. KBR’s extensive experience and expertise in offshore production systems will be pivotal in designing and optimizing these components to ensure maximum efficiency and safety in deepwater production environments.
Petrobras’ Atapu and Sepia fields are both situated in the pre-salt layer of the Santos Basin, an area that has become a major focus for Brazil’s offshore oil and gas exploration. The pre-salt reserves are located deep below the seabed and are known for their high-quality oil, but they also present considerable technical challenges due to their depth, pressure, and geological complexity. The new FPSOs will play a crucial role in unlocking these resources and ramping up production from these fields.
The P-84 FPSO, like its counterpart, is expected to have a processing capacity of around 225,000 barrels of oil per day and 12 million cubic meters of natural gas, further cementing Brazil’s position as a major global player in deepwater oil production. These vessels will be equipped with advanced technologies to handle the complexities of ultra-deepwater production, as well as environmental protections to meet stringent offshore operational standards.
In addition to the topsides, KBR will also assist Seatrium in integrating various systems and technologies required for the efficient operation of the FPSOs. This collaboration underscores the importance of strong technical partnerships in executing complex offshore projects, ensuring that all aspects of the production units meet the high standards required for Brazil’s offshore industry.
With the completion of these FPSO vessels, Petrobras aims to significantly boost production from the Atapu and Sepia fields by the late 2020s, contributing to Brazil’s long-term energy strategy and global oil supply. This deal also highlights KBR’s continued leadership in the offshore energy sector, reinforcing its role in supporting the development of some of the world’s most ambitious oil and gas projects.