Topside construction underway for Petrobras’ next-gen FPSO
Petrobras Launches FPSO P-84 Construction in Brazil
The construction of topside modules for the FPSO P-84, a floating production storage and offloading unit, has officially commenced at Seatrium’s shipyard in Angra, Brazil. This significant development, announced by Petrobras CEO Renata Baruzzi, marks a crucial milestone in the project aimed at enhancing oil production in Brazil’s Santos Basin. The FPSO is expected to play a vital role in the Atapu field, with a production capacity of 225,000 barrels of oil per day.
Key Milestones and Workforce Expansion
On June 10, 2025, the first sheet metal cutting ceremony for the FPSO P-84 took place, highlighting the project’s progress. Renata Baruzzi emphasized the importance of this event for the construction and assembly of the platform. Currently, around 8,000 workers are engaged in the construction of multiple platforms, including P-80, P-83, and P-84, with plans for P-85 to begin shortly. This workforce expansion reflects Petrobras’ commitment to bolstering its operational capabilities in the region.
The FPSO P-84 will be installed in the Atapu field, which is operated by Petrobras in partnership with Shell, TotalEnergies, Petrogal Brasil, and Pré-Sal Petróleo. The platform’s impressive capacity will not only enhance oil production but also facilitate gas processing of up to 10 million cubic meters. This collaborative effort among major energy players underscores the strategic importance of the Atapu field in Brazil’s energy landscape.
Innovative Design and Environmental Commitment
Seatrium secured an $8.15 billion contract for the FPSO in May 2024, following a steel-cutting ceremony at CIMC Raffles Offshore’s Yantai shipyard in China. The FPSO P-84 is notable for being the largest unit in Petrobras’ history and the first to implement an all-electric design. This innovative approach is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30%, aligning with global sustainability goals.
In a recent collaboration, Seatrium has partnered with ABB to design and construct the electrical systems for both FPSO P-84 and P-85. This partnership aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the platforms’ operations. Additionally, the Angra shipyard is also working on the FPSO for Equinor’s Raia project, further demonstrating its capacity to support multiple significant offshore projects simultaneously.
MODEC, responsible for the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of the FPSO, anticipates delivery by 2027. The unit will be permanently moored at a depth of approximately 2,900 meters, about 200 kilometers off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, marking a new chapter in Brazil’s offshore oil production capabilities.
