A Colossal Journey Comes to an End

After a two-month voyage spanning thousands of nautical miles, the Bacalhau FPSO—a 370-meter-long floating production, storage, and offloading vessel—has finally reached its destination in the Santos Basin, offshore Brazil. Constructed by Japanese engineering powerhouse MODEC, this behemoth is set to revolutionize oil production in the region. The journey began in Singapore, where the FPSO underwent a year and a half of meticulous integration and commissioning before embarking on its epic trek to Brazilian waters.

The Bacalhau FPSO isn’t just another vessel; it’s a marvel of modern engineering. With a length equivalent to three football fields and a width of 64 meters, it’s the largest FPSO ever delivered to Brazil. Its arrival marks a significant milestone for Equinor, the Norwegian energy giant leading the project, and its partners, including ExxonMobil and Petrogal Brasil.

Anchoring the Future of Offshore Production

Now that the Bacalhau FPSO has arrived, the real work begins. The vessel is being anchored with the help of four tugboats, a delicate operation that sets the stage for the next phase of the project. Teams will soon recover umbilicals and risers from the seabed, connecting them to the FPSO to enable production. This intricate process is part of the vessel’s commissioning scope, which includes pre-commissioning and testing of the entire system.

“The arrival of the Bacalhau FPSO is a pivotal moment for us,” said Trond Bokn, Senior Vice President of Project Development at Equinor. “Our focus now is on ensuring a safe and efficient start to operations, which will involve connecting the umbilicals, risers, and wells already drilled.”

The Bacalhau FPSO is no ordinary vessel. It’s the first of its kind to receive DNV’s Abate notation, a testament to its cutting-edge design and environmental considerations. With a production capacity of 220,000 barrels per day, it’s poised to become a cornerstone of Brazil’s offshore energy sector.

A Game-Changer for Brazil’s Energy Landscape

The Bacalhau field, located 185 kilometers off the coast of São Paulo, is a treasure trove of oil reserves. Discovered by Petrobras in 2012, the field has been under Equinor’s operation since 2016. Bacalhau represents the first greenfield development in Brazil’s pre-salt region by an international operator, making it a landmark project for the country’s energy industry.

First oil is expected in 2025, with Phase 1 reserves estimated at over 1 billion barrels. The project is not just about oil; it’s about people. Over its lifecycle, Bacalhau is projected to generate around 50,000 direct and indirect jobs. When combined with Equinor’s Raia project in the Campos Basin, that number skyrockets to 100,000, providing a significant boost to Brazil’s economy.

“Bacalhau is a testament to what we can achieve through collaboration,” said Veronica Coelho, President of Equinor in Brazil. “With over 1 billion barrels of recoverable reserves, this project is a cornerstone of our portfolio and a shining example of innovation and partnership.”

As the Bacalhau FPSO begins its operations, it’s clear that this isn’t just a vessel—it’s a symbol of progress, innovation, and the future of offshore energy.