Zacks Equity Research
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Petrobras PBR and OceanPact have signed a contract to decommission flexible pipelines at the Marlim Field in Brazil's Campos Basin, focusing on subsea infrastructure removal at the P-18 platform, according to BrazilEnergyInsight. The project involves large-scale subsea engineering operations to safely recover flexible pipelines, risers and umbilicals that supported long-term deepwater production. It strengthens Brazil's offshore decommissioning ecosystem by combining engineering precision, marine operational capability and environmental governance in a complex offshore environment.
Petrobras Offshore Decommissioning Strategy in the Campos Basin
Petrobras is managing the transition of mature offshore assets in the Campos Basin through structured retirement programs. The Marlim Field is a key deepwater production hub with extensive subsea infrastructure connecting wells, manifolds and platforms such as P-18. As production declines, Petrobras follows a controlled removal strategy that prioritizes safety, seabed integrity and environmental protection. This process relies on engineering studies, risk assessments and specialized techniques suited for deepwater pipelines and umbilicals.
OceanPact Contract Scope and Subsea Operations
OceanPact's contract, valued at R$ 443.7 million, covers subsea inspections, pipeline recovery, cutting operations and umbilical disconnection. The project begins with detailed inspections to evaluate pipeline integrity, seabed positioning and environmental conditions, which guide execution planning. Remotely operated tools are then used to cut segment pipelines into recoverable sections, while umbilicals carrying hydraulic, electrical and communication lines are carefully disconnected and retrieved. Multipurpose Support Vessels (MPSVs) equipped with dynamic positioning systems and heavy-lift cranes provide offshore operational support throughout the execution phase.
Technical Complexity of the P-18 Platform
The P-18 platform presents a highly complex subsea environment due to its dense network of interconnected infrastructure. Flexible pipelines and risers link multiple production systems, requiring precise coordination during decommissioning to avoid disruption of nearby assets. Each pipeline segment is individually assessed based on structural condition, fatigue history and seabed location to determine safe recovery methods. Deepwater conditions, such as low visibility and variable ocean dynamics, further increase operational complexity.