With major subsea contracts signed with Petrobras in 2009, the future looks bright for Aker Solutions and their range of subsea products and solutions in Brazil.
In November 2009, Aker Solutions do Brasil signed two contracts to supply subsea connection systems for the P-55 platform, which will operate at the Roncador field offshore Brazil. The contracts were signed with Petrobras and Subsea 7.
For Petrobras the contract involves three Plets (pipeline-end termination systems), two rigid jumpers, tools and accessories. For Subsea 7 the contract involved two sets of 12" Plets, one set of 12" ILT (t-shaped pipeline), tools and accessories. The values for each contract were not disclosed.
This equipment will be responsible for oil and gas pipelines interconnection of module 3 of the P-55 platform, which will start its activities in 2013 at the Roncador field in Campos Basin offshore Brazil. With these two contracts Aker Solutions will be the sole supplier of connection systems for P-55 platform, with both sides of the P-55 utilising the company's connection systems.
"Our experience in providing Plet connection systems, with over 30 units installed in Brazil, was a key factor to secure these partnerships," says Delio Lopes, sales manager for Aker Solutions in Brazil.
The Roncador Field is located in the north area of Campos Basin, around 125 km from the coast. It covers 111 square kilometres with water depths ranging from 1,500 to 1,900 meters.
Also in November 2009, Aker Solutions signed a contract with Petrobras to supply eight subsea boosting systems (Mobo) and one ESDV (emergency valve) for the Jubarte field, located in the north of Campos Basin offshore Brazil with a contract value of approximately USD 37 million.
This contract follows a similar job for eight subsea boosting systems which was awarded to Aker Solutions in May 2007. Compared to the previous project, improvements have been made in the project scope to optimise oil production, such as changes in flow lines to reduce pressure loss. Additionally, pressure in the pump has increased from 3600 to 5000 PSI. There will also be changes on valves, pipes and structures, besides the inclusion of nine new tools to support the installation.
"In addition to the inherent technological innovations, this new subsea boosting system provides a significant intervention cost reduction compared to existing market technologies," says Marcelo Taulois, President - South America, Aker Solutions.
"Among all Mobos purchased by Petrobras in Brazil, Aker Solutions has been responsible for selling 16 units, which represents a 76% market share. We are proud of our subsea boosting technology's strong market position," adds Taulois.
The equipment will be manufactured in Curitiba, Aker Solutions' headquarters in Brazil. Contract party is Aker Solutions do Brasil ltda.
In September 2009, Aker Solutions successfully completed the installation of the first Mobo manufactured in Brazil. The pump was installed at 1590 meters deep in Golfinho field.
As a prefered partner to Petrobras and with their vast experience in subsea connections, Plets and subsea boosting systems, it is certain that more contracts will be going their way in 2010 and beyond as new field start going online and mature fields are upgraded to optimize production.
Claudio Paschoa
Photo courtesy of Aker Solutions