Petrobras rejects proposals from BW and Ocyan and cancels tender for new Albacora FPSO

(PN) Petrobras decided to cancel the tender for chartering a new platform ship (FPSO) for the Albacora field, in the Campos Basin. Two companies submitted proposals: Norwegian BW Offshore (US$ 1.2 billion) and Brazilian Ocyan (US$ 1.7 billion). However, after being unsuccessful in negotiations with BW, Petrobras attempted talks with Ocyan – and also failed to obtain the desired discount. With no other proposals on the table, the oil company decided to end the bidding.

In March, the oil company’s director of engineering, technology and innovation, Carlos Travassos, had already commented on the difficulties the company was facing in the supply chain. Specifically regarding the Albacora tender, the director said it was a “challenging process”, also adding that the deadline for negotiations with proponents would end in April. It is not yet clear whether Petrobras will open another tender to hire a chartered vessel or whether it will consider the possibility of building its own unit.

Petrobras’ idea is to replace the two units currently in operation in Albacora with the new platform, which will operate in water depths of 670 meters. According to the notice, the new vessel will be connected to 29 wells, 18 of which are producers and another 11 for water injection. The field revitalization project includes the development of production from the Forno reservoir, in the pre-salt layer.

Albacora is about 110 km off the north coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Currently, the field’s production is through platforms P-25, of the SS (Semi Submersible) type, and P-31, of the FPSO type. The P-25 oil flow network consists of a pipeline that connects the unit to P-31.