Vallourec, a provider of tubular solutions, has won a contract from Shell to support the latter’s offshore operations at the Orca project (formerly known as Gato do Mato) in Brazil.
The contract, obtained through a competitive bidding process, entails supplying oil country tubular goods (OCTG) products and services.
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The Orca project is expected to commence drilling in April 2027, with plans for ten wells that will require between 12,000 and 15,000 tonnes (t) of pipes.
The agreement covers the supply of seamless pipes and VAM premium connections essential for Shell’s offshore wells, which range in diameter from 4.5in to 18in.
It includes both carbon and stainless-steel tubulars along with necessary accessories.
Vallourec’s scope of work extends beyond supplying materials. to include comprehensive onshore and offshore value-added services.
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By GlobalDataThese services include desk engineering, rig preparation, material coordination, offshore supervision and rig return repairs, all aimed at enhancing operational efficiency for Shell.
Vallourec Group chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO Philippe Guillemot said: “After recently winning an order to supply line pipes on this key offshore project, this new contract demonstrates Vallourec’s ability to support its customers across the entire value chain.
“It confirms the value of VAM premium connections in Brazil and the expertise of Vallourec Tubular Services (VTS) in providing an extensive suite of services to complement our offer in premium seamless pipes.”
Last month, Shell Brasil Petróleo, a subsidiary of Shell, made the final investment decision for the Orca project in the pre-salt area of the Santos Basin.
The consortium managing the deep-water project includes Shell as operator with a 50% stake, alongside partners Ecopetrol with 30%, TotalEnergies with 20%, and Pré-Sal Petróleo, which is acting as the manager of the production sharing contract.
The development plan for the pre-salt gas-condensate discovery involves deploying a floating production storage and offloading vessel designed to produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day.
The estimated recoverable resources are approximately 370 million barrels.
The Orca project is scheduled to begin operations in 2029.
Initial operations will focus on reinjecting natural gas to maintain reservoir pressure, with future plans allowing for gas exportation to onshore facilities.
