Petrobras has started the contracting process for the construction of the FPSO Búzios 12, which will be installed in the Santos Basin, Rio de Janeiro. The new unit, named P-91, will be the twelfth platform assigned to the Búzios field. This move strengthens Búzios as Petrobras’ largest producing field and increases its importance in supplying natural gas within Brazil.
The Búzios 12 platform is designed to serve as a hub for exporting gas produced not only by itself but also from other platforms in the field that were not originally equipped for gas export. This approach is expected to help expand natural gas supply to the Brazilian market. Gas exported from this facility will be sent via the Rota 3 pipeline to the Boaventura Energy Complex in Itaboraí, Rio de Janeiro.
P-91 will connect to 16 wells—eight producers and eight alternating water and gas injectors—with a production capacity of 180,000 barrels of oil per day and 12 million cubic meters of natural gas per day. The development involves partnerships with CNPC (China National Petroleum Corporation) holding a 3.67% stake, CNOOC (China National Offshore Oil Corp) with 7.34%, and Petrobras as operator with an 88.99% share.
Búzios is on track to surpass Tupi as Petrobras’ top-producing field, and this new unit supports that growth trajectory.
“Dar a largada na contratação do Búzios 12 justamente no dia do aniversário da Petrobras é simbólico: mostra a força da nossa capacidade de inovação e do trabalho de gerações de profissionais comprometidos com o país. Essa nova unidade amplia a oferta de gás natural para o mercado brasileiro, garantindo energia segura, competitiva e indispensável para a transição energética justa. A P-91 já nasce com soluções para aumentar a oferta de gás para o mercado, reduzir emissões e aumentar a eficiência energética, refletindo a razão de ser da Petrobras: gerar riqueza para a sociedade brasileira com responsabilidade e sustentabilidade,” said company president Magda Chambriard.
For this project, Petrobras is using the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. Under this arrangement, the contracted company will handle design, construction, assembly and initial operation before transferring operations back to Petrobras after an agreed period.
Companies interested in participating have up to 180 days from publication of the Request for Proposal (SEP) to submit their bids; SEP requires at least 25% local content for proposals.
