Project Overview

The FPSO Fluminense is an Ultra-large Crude Carrier (ULCC) converted into a Floating Production, Storage & Offloading (FPSO) Vessel. It comprises the development of the two oil fields, namely Bijupira & Salema oil fields, located in the Campos Basin, offshore Brazil. 

MODEC performed the conversion for Shell Brasil Petroleo Ltda & the vessel commenced operations in August 2003, eventually being decommissioned in June 2024. 

As part of the shutdown and disconnection procedures in May 2024, which included retrieving and cleaning mooring lines, risers, and umbilicals following Brazilian environmental regulations, the FPSO was towed to the M.A.R.S. recycling yard in Frederikshavn, Denmark, where it arrived in September 2024 for safe and sustainable green recycling.

With a total capacity of producing 81,000 barrels of oil per day, the vessel compresses 75 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. Furthermore, it has a water handling capacity of 50,000 barrels/day with a reinjection capacity of 110,000 barrels/day. 

FPSO Fluminense Location

The FPSO Fluminense is located in the Campos Basin, Offshore Brazil, in the water depths of approximately 740 meters. It is situated between the Bijupira & Salema fields of water depths of approximately 480m - 880 m. It is approximately 170 nautical miles from Rio de Janeiro.

Project Background

The FPSO Fluminense project consists of the two Bijupira & Salema fields discovered by Petrobras in 1990. Its early production began in 1994. Shell awarded MODEC the development contract to convert the ULCC, initially named SeaSaint (later changed to Sahara), into an FPSO Vessel.

In 2015, Shell increased its stake to 80% and Petrobras held 20%. The FPSO's maintenance contract with MODEC was extended multiple times, most recently from 2016 to 2020, before continuing until the fields were shut down in 2024.

In its lifetime, the FPSO Fluminense project successfully produced over 141 million barrels of oil equivalent (BOE). The production was reduced & ceased in November 2021. Furthermore, Shell abandoned 22 wells and recovered all subsea hardware, addressing environmental concerns like the spread of invasive sun coral and aiming for a 93% recycling target.

Fluminense FPSO Decommissioning

The FPSO Fluminense Project on the Bijupira & Salema fields came to an end after serving for 20 years in June 2024. The decommissioning process involves shutting down all the production operations, disconnecting and removing  9 mooring lines, 10 risers, and 3 umbilicals from the vessel, and thoroughly cleaning these components offshore to prevent the spread of invasive sun coral.

The vessel was towed from the Campos Basin in Brazil to Frederikshavn, Denmark, for recycling, aiming for a high "green recycling" rate. Substantial coordination guaranteed environmental concession & safe handling throughout each step, including station-keeping of the vessel, unmanning, and long-distance tow to its final dismantling site.

The decommissioning process requires the following: 

• Cleaning 2,900 meters of mooring chain, divided into 200-meter lengths on the back deck.

• Cutting nine subsea 94 mm wire ropes at a depth of 750 meters.

Project Timeline

Design & Engineering Details

FPSO Fluminense Contract Details

Conclusion

The FPSO Fluminense originates offshore production in Brazil, marking a pivotal step in the development of the country’s deepwater oil and gas industry. Located in the Campos Basin, the FPSO Fluminense was the initial FPSO installed in the region. Its role in processing and storing hydrocarbons has contributed to Brazil’s energy output while also supporting the nation’s growing expertise in offshore operations and technology.

Alongside its technical services, the FPSO Fluminense played a key role in strengthening Brazil’s energy security and economic growth. The discovery of offshore reserves and the facilitation of sustained production have laid the foundation for more advanced projects in the country's deepwater sector.  The FPSO remains a symbol of innovation, resilience, and a key milestone in the evolution of floating production systems and supporting Brazil’s plan to expand its offshore oil and gas capabilities. 

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