In the high-stakes world of offshore engineering, few projects capture the imagination like Brazil’s Búzios oil field. Now, Swiss-based Allseas is gearing up for its most ambitious venture yet: a $1 billion subsea pipeline installation in ultra-deep waters. This isn’t just another oil project—it’s a technological marvel that could redefine the future of offshore energy.
The Búzios-10 Project: A Deepwater Powerhouse
Allseas, a global leader in offshore pipeline installation and subsea construction, has officially kicked off preparations for the Búzios-10 project, a massive undertaking located 180 kilometers off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. The project involves the design, procurement, construction, and installation of subsea infrastructure to connect 16 wells to a floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit.
Operating at depths exceeding 2 kilometers, the project will deploy 111 kilometers of rigid risers and flowlines in a “lazy wave” formation—a cutting-edge configuration designed to withstand the harsh conditions of ultra-deepwater environments. Frans den Hartogh, Allseas’ Project Director, describes it as “one of the most complex and significant contracts in our 40-year history.”
A Return to Brazil: Local Talent Meets Global Expertise
This isn’t Allseas’ first rodeo in Brazil. The company previously worked on Petrobras’ Rota 1, Rota 2, and Rota 3 pre-salt developments, earning a reputation for delivering large-scale offshore projects on time and within budget. Now, with the Búzios-10 project, Allseas is doubling down on its commitment to the region.
The company has opened a new project management and engineering office in Rio de Janeiro, signaling its long-term investment in Brazil’s offshore energy sector. André Luis Jucá De Melo, Allseas’ Regional Director, emphasized the importance of local collaboration: “We’re hiring and training local talent, investing in Brazilian industry, and ensuring 40% of the project’s labor is sourced locally. This isn’t just a project—it’s a partnership.”
The project is expected to create 2,000 jobs, bolstering Brazil’s offshore supply chain and setting the stage for future collaborations.
The Tech Behind the Triumph
What makes Búzios-10 so groundbreaking? It’s the combination of ultra-deepwater complexities, advanced subsea equipment, and meticulous engineering. Allseas is currently finalizing subcontracts for seamless linepipe manufacturing, internal cladding, and flexible joints for steel catenary risers. These components, along with critical elements like pipeline end terminations and jumpers, will ensure the system operates flawlessly in one of the most challenging environments on Earth.
The company’s Audacia pipelay vessel, a state-of-the-art engineering marvel, will play a pivotal role in the installation process. With its ability to handle extreme depths and harsh conditions, the Audacia is the perfect tool for this high-stakes job.
Búzios: The Crown Jewel of Offshore Oil
Discovered in 2010 and operational since 2018, the Búzios field is already a global heavyweight in the oil industry. Located in the pre-salt Santos Basin, it’s the largest ultra-deepwater field in the world. Petrobras, the field’s operator, expects Búzios to produce 2 million barrels of oil per day by 2030, making it the company’s largest-producing field.
The field’s sixth production system, the FPSO Almirante Tamandaré, recently came online, joining five other FPSOs already in operation. Together, they’re set to boost output to 1 million barrels per day by late 2025. With partners like CNOOC and CNPC, Petrobras is betting big on Búzios—and Allseas is helping them cash in.
A Sustainable Future for Offshore Energy
While the Búzios-10 project is a testament to human ingenuity, it’s also part of a broader push toward sustainability. Petrobras’ five-year plan focuses on reducing carbon emissions, replenishing reserves, and producing higher-quality, more sustainable products. Allseas’ commitment to local content and cutting-edge technology aligns perfectly with these goals, ensuring that the project not only delivers energy but does so responsibly.
As Allseas prepares to dive into the depths of the Atlantic, one thing is clear: the Búzios-10 project isn’t just about oil—it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in offshore engineering.
