Lloyd’s Register (LR) has granted Petrobras Approval in Principle (AiP) to Petrobras for the conceptual design of the FPSO for the Tupi Field Revitalization (REVIT I TUPI) project offshore Brazil.
The proposed FPSO concept is said to build on the detailed design of the FPSO P-68, which receives production from the Berbigão and Sururu fields in the presalt Santos Basin.
LR said Petrobras aimed to transfer lessons learned from a successfully operating platform to support a new development on the giant Tupi Field, with tailored process and system modifications.
Operators continue to keep a close watch on project costs, delivery schedules and execution risk, LR added, and adapting existing FPSO designs could be a more practical approach to adding new offshore production capacity.
The AiP confirms that LR's review of the preliminary design documents identified no conceptual issues vis-a-vis applicable industry reference requirements.
It appears, therefore, that the concept can be progressed to a safe and viable design through subsequent stages of engineering and project development.
Petrobras’ process engineering documentation included process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, equipment specifications, and supporting technical studies.
LR also scrutinized the methodology for managing design modifications, to ensure that changes from the original FPSO P-68 configuration could be identified, assessed and implemented throughout the project.
Vahid Andaji Garmaroudi, Technical Support Office portfolio manager, LR Energies, said:
“Across the offshore industry, we're seeing growing interest in how proven FPSO designs can be adapted and redeployed to support new developments.
Operators are looking for ways to shorten project timelines, reduce complexity and build on existing operational experience.”
