Baker Hughes Awarded Contracts to Supply Petrobras with Flexible Pipe Systems, Associated Services across Several Fields
Baker Hughes announced major contracts with Petrobras to supply 77 km of flexible pipe systems for Brazil's pre-salt fields. The agreement, signed on October 15, 2024, after an open tender, includes risers and flowlines for hydrocarbon production, gas, and water injection, along with equipment storage, maintenance, and installation support. Deliveries are set to start in mid-2026, with deployment planned for Petrobras' Búzios, Libra, Berbigão, Sururu, and Sépia fields.
The flexible pipe systems are designed to tackle stress-induced corrosion cracking from CO2 (SCC-CO2), a critical concern in high-CO2 pre-salt fields. Baker Hughes' flexible pipes have demonstrated effectiveness in mitigating SCC-CO2, a challenge as reinjected gas can intensify corrosion risks. This technology aligns with Petrobras’ commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and using CO2 storage to support lower-carbon oil production.
“Brazil’s Santos Basin contains incredible potential to help power Latin America into the future,” said Amerino Gatti, executive vice president, Oilfield Services & Equipment at Baker Hughes. “Operating in deep waters with high CO2 concentrations presents unique challenges. Baker Hughes’ combination of industry-leading subsea technology and engineering, expertise in offshore operations, and extensive experience in the region will assist Petrobras to unlock and develop this potential, delivering these vital resources safely and efficiently.”
Baker Hughes has long been engaged in developing Brazil's offshore oil and gas fields, with a localization strategy that boosts the country's economy and strengthens its energy supply chain. Its Niteroi, Brazil plant, where these flexible pipe systems will be produced, serves as a key supplier for the industry, employing hundreds in Rio de Janeiro.
In 2024, Baker Hughes secured multiple agreements with Petrobras, including contracts for an additional 69.1 km of flexible pipe systems and related services in the third quarter. Other recent awards encompass integrated well construction services at the Buzios field and comprehensive solutions for workover and plug-and-abandonment services across Petrobras’ pre-salt and post-salt fields.