Saipem and Petrobras have signed an agreement to initiate a technical dialogue aimed at assessing and potentially developing integrated solutions for decommissioning activities in Brazil, relating to oil and gas fields, subsea systems and associated infrastructure.
The one-year agreement focuses on plug and abandonment activities as well as subsea decommissioning, and defines a framework for technical and operational collaboration between the two companies, with the aim of improving the efficiency, sustainability and level of innovation of end of life infrastructure activities.
Under the agreement, Saipem and Petrobras will collaborate in the assessment of potential partnerships with specialised companies and institutions for decommissioning activities, as well as in the development and implementation of new technologies, methodologies and integrated solutions for this specific type of activity.
The cooperation will also include the evaluation of logistical and operational alternatives, such as the use of drilling units and vessels, as well as the enhancement of existing practices to address the main technical and operational challenges related to decommissioning activities.
Brazil is one of the world’s largest decommissioning markets. Since 2013, Petrobras has decommissioned the fixed Cação platforms (PCA-1, PCA-2 and PCA-3), in the Espírito Santo Basin, its own floating platforms P-7, P-12, P-15, P-27, P-34, in the Campos Basin, in addition to the chartered floating platforms FPSO Piranema Spirit, in the Sergipe Alagoas Basin, FPSO Brasil, FPSO Marlim Sul, FPSO Rio de Janeiro, FPSO Rio das Ostras, in the Campos Basin and FPSO Cidade de São Vicente, in the Santos Basin. 23 platforms and 2,000km flexible lines are set to be decommissioned by 2028, with a further 40 platforms after 2028.
Petrobras stresses the opportunities arising from decommissioning, and the potential to develop a new production chain, generating employment, income and value for society. It also emphasises the sustainable decommissioning model, with a circular economy approach and respect for the environment and local populations, as well as its focus on R&D into new decommissioning technologies and approaches.
Saipem meanwhkle has completed over 30 major decommissioning projects in various countries in the world since 1995. Its integrated engineering capabilities, logistics expertise and strong partnerships have enabled the company to successfully complete projects of any size in a wide variety of contexts.
