ABB has secured a contract from Seatrium to provide electrical and automation solutions for Petrobras’ new generation of floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels, the P-84 and P-85.
These vessels are set to operate in Brazil’s Atapu and Sépia fields around 200km off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.
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The contract entails ABB designing and constructing the topside and hullside electrical equipment, electrical substation automation and eHouses for both FPSOs.
ABB’s 800xA and IEC 61850 technologies will be employed for substation automation, enhancing operational efficiency and system reliability through seamless interoperability between Intelligent Electrical Devices.
For the first time, Petrobras will adopt an all-electric concept on the P-84 and P-85 vessels, aiming for efficient power generation and increased energy efficiency.
This concept includes the use of electrically driven compressors and motors, which will contribute to a substantial power generation capacity of 165MW.
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By GlobalDataThe project also introduces the first offshore application of ABB’s three Is-limiter configuration, a component for managing short circuits effectively due to the FPSOs’ high-power capacity.
These Is-limiters are fast-acting devices that protect electrical components and reduce mechanical and thermal stress by limiting the short-circuit current before it reaches its peak value.
ABB Singapore is tasked with constructing the FPSO topside systems, which will be housed in an ABB eHouse.
This prefabricated transportable substation is designed to encase medium-voltage and low-voltage switchgear, critical power equipment and automation cabinets.
Additionally, the UniGear ZS1 switchboard, essential for the safe and reliable distribution of electric power, will be manufactured at ABB’s Sorocaba factory in Brazil.
This development comes at a time when the Brazilian FPSO market is experiencing growth, with potential investment estimated at $21bn (116.24bn reais) in 2026–27, amidst a global FPSO market projected to reach $46.2bn by 2033.
Each of the new vessels will have a production capacity of 225,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd), contributing to the anticipated rise in total global supply capacity to nearly 114 million barrels a day by 2030, as forecasted by the International Energy Agency.
ABB’s Energy Industries division president Per Erik Holsten said: “The offshore energy industry requires innovative solutions and technologies, at scale and at pace, to support an effective and secure energy market.
“With our ability to meet advanced technical requirements and high safety standards, along with our deep commitment to energy efficiency, we look forward to working with Seatrium on this large-scale and complex project.”
