Abstract
Sapinhoá-Lula NE project is a major subsea EPCI project where the successful introduction of innovative state-of-the-art technology was undertaken on a fast track schedule. The project execution included integrated supply chain and complex operations coordination with offshore campaigns performed in an extreme ultra-deep water environment where conditions are challenging. Awarded at the beginning of 2011, the Sapinhoá-Lula NE project was the first billion dollar subsea installation project ever in Brazil. The objective of this paper is to describe Sapinhoá-Lula NE project execution through its various phases and challenges from its award to its delivery.
The project had a number of technical challenges that were well understood and anticpated from the very start. Of significant importance was the need to design and fabricate four Buoy Supporting Risers (BSRs). Other technical considerations included component engineering, the mooring and monitoring of systems for the buoys and lay for the first lined pipe reeled under pressure.
Additionally, the Sapinhoá-Lula NE project team needed to have safety as its early focus on people, equipment and the environment. A commitment to innovation was of key importance with a significant number of new technologies, equipment and installation procedures needing to be developed, qualified, fabricated, tested and installed. The highest standards of quality and team collaboration at a global level were required in order to allow lessons learnt of each new operation to be promptly analyzed and implemented. Integrity at all levels and times, commitment to contract obligations and Client expectations were kept, regardless of the challenges faced.
As a result, within three years of contract award, Client had its first oil on the largest subsea EPIC signed to that date in Brazil. After four years of contract award, offshore execution was concluded delivering more than 30, 000 ton of state of the art equipment, installed in two fields, 300 km away from Brazilian southeast coast and producing 240, 000 bbl/day.
