In a breakthrough deal, Wärtsilä has signed a contract with the Brazilian industrial group QUIP to supply three main power modules for a new P-63 Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. The vessel is unique in that it will be the first FPSO to utilize gas engines to produce more than 100 MWe of power. The contract includes commissioning, start-up and operational supervision. The power modules will be ready for installation in July 2011 and oil production is scheduled to begin in 2013. The vessel will operate on Brazil’s new Papa Terra oilfield, located some 110 kilometres off the coast of Rio de Janeiro in the southern Campos Basin.
“It is significant that Wärtsilä’s technology has been selected for this important project to harness these offshore oil and gas production resources. It endorses the fact that our total integrated power modules offer the high levels of reliability, availability, efficiency, and fuel flexibility required for successful offshore operations,” said Magnus Miemois, Vice President, Offshore, Wärtsilä. “Since the engines can run on treated well gas or treated crude, as well as MDO (marine diesel oil), virtually no MDO will need to be shipped to the P-63. This will notably reduce operating costs. Furthermore, this efficient gas-fired power solution will also have significantly lower levels of CO2 emissions compared to conventional technologies. In real terms, it is estimated that the levels of carbon emissions will be reduced by as much as 93,000 tons per year.”
Designed and produced by Wärtsilä, each power module will include two 18-cylinder 50DF tri-fuel engines in V-configuration, as well as alternators and all required auxiliary equipment.
BW Offshore and QUIP signed the contract for the P-63 FPSO with the Papa Terra BV Joint Venture partners - Petrobras (operator) and Chevron - at the very end of January. The field development concept involves the P-61 tension-leg wellhead platform coupled to the P-63 FPSO.
The 323,000 dwt ultra-large crude carrier (ULCC), the ‘BW Nisa’, will be utilized for the P-63 project. BW Offshore will deliver the marine scope of the FPSO conversion, including the hull, the offloading systems, and mooring equipment. QUIP will provide the topsides facilities on the P-63 to process approximately 140,000 barrels per day (BPD) of crude oil, 35 million cubic feet per day of gas, and 325,000 BPD of produced water. Facilities to inject approximately 340,000 BPD of seawater will also be also included. QUIP and BW Offshore will jointly operate the FPSO for a period of three years with a gradual handover to Petrobras.
“For a project of this importance, it is essential that the strategic partners we work with have not only the technology needed, but also field proven experience and support capabilities required for reliable long-term success. Wärtsilä has an outstanding track record in multi-fuel technology, as well as in providing ongoing technical support. We have every confidence in the company’s ability to provide the needed technical solution, and we are sure it will minimize both our operating costs and environmental footprint. We also value the company as a trusted strategic partner with the resources to provide on-going operational support,” said Mr Miguelangelo Thomé, CEO, QUIP.
Quip power module
Caption: The P-63, a Brazilian FPSO, will be equipped with three main power modules, each of which includes two 50DF tri-fuel engines, alternators and auxiliary equipment.
We welcome you to visit us at the OTC exhibition in Houston, USA, 3-6 May, booth number 1241!
Media contact:
Ms Marit Holmlund-Sund
Senior Manager, PR and Marketing Communications
Wärtsilä Corporation
Direct tel: +358 10 709 1439
Direct fax: +358 10 709 1425
e-mail: marit.holmlund-sund@wartsila.com
Internet: www.wartsila.com
Wärtsilä in brief:
Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising technological innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers.
In 2009, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 5.3 billion with more than 18,000 employees. The company has operations in 160 locations in 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland.
www.wartsila.com
