Petrobras expands offshore production with FPSO Almirante Tamandaré in Búzios oilfield

Petrobras has commenced production at the FPSO Almirante Tamandaré, marking a major milestone for Búzios oilfield production in Brazil’s pre-salt Santos Basin. As one of the largest FPSOs in the world, the unit is expected to significantly enhance Petrobras’ offshore expansion, with a production capacity of up to 225,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and the ability to process 12 million cubic meters of natural gas daily.

This floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) platform, developed under the Búzios 7 project, represents a critical step in Petrobras’ plan to achieve a daily output of 1 million barrels of crude oil by the second half of 2025. By 2030, Búzios oilfield production is expected to reach 2 million barrels per day, positioning it as the company’s largest offshore asset.

What Makes FPSO Almirante Tamandaré Critical for Búzios Oilfield Production?

The FPSO Almirante Tamandaré is the sixth production system to be deployed in Búzios and is integrated with a subsea production network comprising 15 wells. This includes seven oil-producing wells, six gas and water injectors, one convertible well, and one dedicated gas injector. The unit is expected to play a vital role in optimizing reservoir recovery and increasing the efficiency of Petrobras’ offshore expansion strategy.

Búzios oilfield, recognized as the world’s largest deepwater pre-salt reservoir, spans water depths between 1,900 and 2,200 meters. The field has already produced over 1 billion barrels of oil, with the combined efforts of five FPSOs—P-74, P-75, P-76, P-77, and Almirante Barroso. With FPSO Almirante Tamandaré now operational, Petrobras strengthens its control over Brazil’s offshore energy sector, reinforcing its competitive edge in deepwater exploration.

How Does FPSO Almirante Tamandaré Align with Petrobras’ Decarbonization Goals?

In addition to its high production capacity, the FPSO Almirante Tamandaré incorporates cutting-edge decarbonization technology aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A key feature is its closed flare system, which significantly minimizes routine flaring and enhances carbon capture efficiency.

The unit is also equipped with heat recovery technology, which lowers energy consumption by repurposing excess heat from operations. Furthermore, CO₂ removal systems enable the separation and reinjection of carbon dioxide into the reservoir, a method that not only enhances oil recovery but also aligns with Petrobras’ broader efforts to reduce carbon intensity in offshore production.

By integrating these low-emission technologies, Petrobras advances its commitment to sustainable energy development, reinforcing Brazil’s role as a leader in environmentally responsible offshore production.

What Role Does SBM Offshore Play in Petrobras’ FPSO Expansion?

The FPSO Almirante Tamandaré is operated under a long-term lease agreement with SBM Offshore, a global leader in FPSO development. In July 2021, Petrobras signed a 26.25-year contract with SBM Offshore for the lease and operation of the unit, reinforcing their ongoing collaboration in deepwater oil extraction.

SBM Offshore developed the FPSO using its Fast4Ward program, which standardizes the design and construction of FPSOs for faster deployment. The company secured $1.63 billion in project financing in April 2023, facilitating the vessel’s construction and deployment.

The FPSO was converted in China, and after departing from the CMHI shipyard in July 2024, it arrived at the Búzios oilfield in October. The deployment of this high-capacity FPSO represents another strategic step in Petrobras’ offshore expansion, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of deepwater oil production technology.

How Does the Búzios Oilfield Strengthen Petrobras’ Market Position?

The Búzios oilfield is a cornerstone of Petrobras’ offshore expansion, providing substantial production growth potential. Petrobras, the operator of the field, holds an 88.99% interest in the Búzios Shared Reservoir, while CNOOC Petroleum Brasil Ltda controls 7.34%, and CNODC Brasil Petróleo e Gás Ltda holds 3.67%.

Given the reservoir’s size and productivity, Petrobras views Búzios oilfield production as integral to maintaining Brazil’s position among the world’s top offshore oil producers. As Petrobras works toward increasing production capacity to 2 million barrels per day by 2030, further FPSO deployments in Búzios could provide additional opportunities for energy security and economic growth in Brazil.

What Are the Future Prospects for Petrobras’ Offshore Expansion?

Petrobras’ expansion of Búzios oilfield production is aligned with its long-term offshore development strategy. The introduction of FPSO Almirante Tamandaré underscores the company’s ability to integrate advanced deepwater technology while improving environmental performance.

Future FPSO projects in the Búzios field could further enhance Petrobras’ offshore expansion, particularly as the company continues to innovate in decarbonization efforts and energy efficiency. The success of the FPSO Almirante Tamandaré signals continued growth for Petrobras, solidifying its role as a global leader in deepwater oil exploration and production.

As Búzios oilfield production scales up over the coming years, Petrobras is poised to strengthen its financial and operational standing, leveraging high-capacity FPSOs and sustainable offshore production techniques to meet global energy demands.