Brazil seeks semi production rigs

Brazil's Petroleo Brasileiro SA has called for bids on production semisubmersible rigs for Albacora and Marlim fields in the offshore Campos basin.

Petrobras Exploration & Production Director Joao Carlos de Luca said changes in Brazilian import regulations opened the market for offshore equipment and services.

As a result, Petrobras will invite international bids this month for a $100 million turnkey contract for conversion of the Petrobras XXV semisubmersible drilling rig into a 100,000 b/d capacity floating production system for Albacora field.

Albacora, currently producing about 50,000 b/d, is to become Brazil's largest offshore producer, reaching 60,000 b/d by yearend. The rig conversion is to be financed by Japanese trading house Nissho Iwai.

Bidding for construction of a semisubmersible production unit for Marlim field is to take place soon. De Luca said delivery of the first Marlim semi, the $270 million Petrobras XVIII, is expected in February 1994 from Far East Levingston Shipyard, Singapore.

"We hope to celebrate the 40th birthday of Petrobras on Oct. 3 by passing 700,000 b/d oil production," de Luca said. "Brazil produces about 675,000 b/d and consumes 1.2 million b/d. Our production goal is to reach the I million b/d mark by 1997."

To pass the 700,000 b/d milestone, Petrobras plans to boost production from Bijupera-Salema field to 15,000 b/ d from 10,000 b/d, bring on 10,000 b/d from more wells in Pirauna/Marimba field, and start production from Caravela field, which will produce 10,000 b/d from a single well.

Depth record bid

Petrobras let a #25 million ($37.5 million) contract to Stena Offshore Ltd., Aberdeen, for pipeline installation and tie in work in Marlim field.

Stena's Apache pipelay vessel will install rigid steel pipe to depths of 900 m, surpassing the previous world record of 705 m held by the same vessel.

The Apache will sail from the U.K. in late October to begin the 3 month Marlim pipelay program in mid-November. It will operate from a temporary spool base at Sepitiba Bay, Brazil, where 88 km of oil and gas pipelines will be fabricated in six units of varying length and diameters from 10 in. to 14 in.