Brazil stands as a prominent player global energy production, particularly with its expansive pre-salt oil reserves. Petrobras, the country's energy giant, is strategically advancing its plans to harness these valuable resources, with the aim of bolstering oil production in the pre-salt fields. As part of this ambitious endeavor, Petrobras envisions the installation of eleven Floating Production Storage and Offloading units (FPSOs) by the year 2027.

These pre-salt oil reserves, located between 4000 and 6000 meters below the subsoil and extending up to 8000 meters beneath sea level, represent a significant fraction of the world's oil resources. Stretching along the coast of Brazil, these fields, particularly in the Santos Basin, contribute over 35% of the nation's oil production.

Supporting this strategic vision, Netherlands-based oil and gas developer SBM Offshore has secured a lease and operate contract with Petrobras for two FPSOs: FPSO Almirante Tamandaré (AT) and FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão (AdG). To realize the integration of crucial modules into these FPSOs, SBM Offshore called on Sarens, the global leader in heavy lifting and transportation solutions.

Sarens' involvement extends to the weighing, transport, and loadout of six modules—three for each FPSO—weighing between 1500 and 2800-tonnes. These modules, essential for the functionality of the FPSOs, were distributed across two shipyards: Brasfels Shipyard and EBR Shipyard.

The operations commenced at Brasfels Shipyard in Angra dos Reis, Brazil, where Sarens executed the transport and load-out of two modules for FPSO Almirante Tamandaré in July 2023. This marked a significant milestone as the first employment of Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) in this major Brazilian shipyard, which has been operational since 1959. Subsequently, Sarens efficiently transported the equipment, comprising 112 axle-lines SPMTs and four powerpacks, to EBR Shipyard in São José do Norte, covering a distance of 1900 kilometers.

Despite challenges posed by strong currents and rapid river tide fluctuations, Sarens orchestrated two consecutive load-outs in a short timeframe to ensure timely completion. The success of these operations was mirrored in subsequent load-outs in October and December 2023.

Looking ahead, FPSO Almirante Tamandaré is slated to commence operations in the second half of 2024, emerging as Brazil's largest oil producing unit with a processing capacity of 225,000 barrels of oil and 12 million cubic meters of gas per day. Meanwhile, FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão, with a processing capacity of 180,000 barrels of oil and 12 million cubic meters of gas per day, is anticipated to commence operations in 2025.

According to Project Manager, Joris Bevers, “This collaboration highlights a commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainable energy production. As Brazil advances its position in the global energy market, such partnerships pave the way for transformative growth and development.”