The decommissioning of oil production units is an integrated process that involves the definitive decommissioning of a vessel or platform. This can occur in conjunction with the interruption of activities in the oil field or in isolation cases, when the unit reaches the end of its useful life or exhausts its commercial capacity.
In this article, we will address the specific case of the decommissioning of the FPSO Capixaba unit, located in the Cachalote field, in the Parque das Baleias region, in the Campos Basin (Espírito Santo-Brazil). We will also show the role of Proper Marine in this important project.
About the FPSO Capixaba and its decommissioning
The FPSO Capixaba is a floating storage and transfer type unit, installed in the Cachalote, in the Campos Basin, on the southern coast of Espírito Santo state, in Brazil. With the capacity to produce 100,000 barrels per day and to process 3.2 million cubic meters of gas per day, it operated connected to ten wells (eight producers and two injectors), in a water depth of 1,483 meters.
After 12 years of operation in the Cachalote’s field, Petrobras and SBM, its operators, have started the decommissioning process of the FPSO Capixaba, justified by Petrobras’ Parque das Baleias Integrated Development Project, in which the unit will be removed and the wells will be interconnected to the P-58 platform. Considering the end of the contract with Petrobras, the proximity of the end of the FPSO’s useful life and the current Brazilian offshore scenario, this process has become the best option for SBM.
The unit will be exported to a shipyard certified for decommissioning activities, after obtaining all necessary approvals from Brazilian and foreign agencies.
As one of the first projects of its kind in Brazil, the decommissioning of the FPSO Capixaba unit represents an important milestone in the Brazilian offshore industry.
In addition, Petrobras announced that there will be the decommissioning of 26 floating platforms in Brazil, with an investment of US$ 9.8 billion by 2027, showing the relevance and growing demand for this type of project.
Opportunities and challenges in decommissioning
The process involves the gradual decommissioning of the unit’s operations and the dismantling of its facilities. The first steps consist of cleaning and disconnecting the risers and dismantling equipment and structures that will no longer be used.
Then, there will be recycling and proper disposal of the materials removed, considering the importance of sustainability and environmental protection.
The decommissioning of offshore units is an activity that opens up new opportunities for the Brazilian oil and gas industry, with the possibility of investments in port infrastructure and specialized vessels.
However, it is a complex process that presents several technical, regulatory and logistical challenges. Therefore, Proper Marine employs a rigorous approach, using detailed studies, advanced analysis and the experience of the team to reduce risks and ensure the safety and efficient performance of the project.
The Proper Marine’s Role in this Important Process
The Proper Marine, in collaboration with SBM, is playing a key role in the decommissioning of the FPSO Capixaba. The solutions offered by the company include technical engineering services, focusing on preparatory activities for decommissioning and towing, and regulatory consulting, in order to ensure compliance with the strict regulations and applicable industry conventions.
With Proper Marine being part of this project, the operation is expected to be conducted safely, sustainably and in compliance with current regulations. This opportunity highlights the company as specialized and competent to face the challenges of this constantly evolving sector.
For more information on the subject and the solutions offered by Proper Marine, visit our website and check out other projects in the area of marine and offshore engineering.
