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The vessel, with a capacity to process 180,000 barrels per day, will be the eighth SBM Offshore unit operating in Brazilian waters
SBM Offshore announced that the FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão has left the COSCO Shipping (Qidong) Offshore shipyard in China for Brazil. The vessel will be the eighth SBM Offshore unit to operate in the country and is headed to the Mero Field, located in the pre-salt layer of the Santos Basin, approximately 190 kilometers off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. First oil is expected in 2025.
The floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit has a production capacity of 180,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and gas compression of 12 million cubic meters per day. The Mero Field is operated by Petrobras (38.6%) in partnership with Shell Brasil (19,3%), TotalEnergies (19.3%), CNPC (9.65%), CNOOC(9.65%), and PPSA (3.5%), representing the Government in the non-contracted area.
The journey of the Alexandre de Gusmão from China to Brazil follows the successful campaign to lift the upper modules. Integration and commissioning activities continue to progress as planned.
Last October, SBM Offshore also announced the arrival of the FPSO Almirante Tamandaré, which has a production capacity of 225,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and 12 million cubic meters of gas, being the first to operate in the country with the Sustainability-1 rating issued by Bureau Veritas, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Equipped with cutting-edge technologies, the Almirante Tamandaré operates at the Búzios Field in the Santos Basin, on the coastline of Rio de Janeiro. Together, the two FPSOs mark a new chapter in oil exploration and production, increasing national oil production and representing a significant step in SBM Offshore’s operations in Brazil.
“Brazil is the company’s primary market globally, where out of our total 16 FPSOs, by 2025, we will have eight of these units operating offshore Brazil. We are committed to investing in the Brazilian market and contributing to the development of the oil and gas sector. Currently, units designed and/or owned by SBM Offshore are responsible for about 17% of the country’s national oil production and this number will increase to 30% with the new units operating” said Jonas Lobo, General Manager of SBM Offshore in Brazil.
After the successful EPC phase, the project team now hands over responsibility to SBM Offshore’s Installation and Operations teams.
About SBM Offshore
SBM Offshore is the world’s deepwater ocean-infrastructure expert. Through the design, construction, installation, and operation of offshore floating facilities, we play a pivotal role in a just transition. By advancing our core, we deliver cleaner, more efficient energy production. By pioneering more, we unlock new markets within the blue economy. More than 7,400 SBMers collaborate worldwide to deliver innovative solutions as a responsible partner towards a sustainable future, balancing ocean protection with progress.
Media contacts:
Giampaolo Arghittu
Head of External Communications
Tel: +31 (0) 6 212 62 333
