Breaking Waves: MODEC’s FPSO Raia Sets New Safety and Innovation Benchmarks
1 Million Safe Hours: A Milestone in Offshore Engineering
Japanese engineering powerhouse MODEC has hit a groundbreaking milestone in the construction of its cutting-edge Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) unit, the Raia. The project, destined for Brazil’s pre-salt gas fields, has clocked an impressive 1 million work hours without a single lost-time injury (LTI) or accident (LTA). This achievement underscores MODEC’s unwavering commitment to safety and innovation in one of the most challenging environments in the energy sector.
To celebrate this feat, MODEC hosted a ceremony at the Seatrium shipyard in Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, attended by key stakeholders, including executives from Equinor, the shipyard, and MODEC itself. The event highlighted the dedication of the workforce and the company’s relentless focus on creating a safer, more efficient work environment. “This milestone reflects the daily dedication of our teams and our ongoing commitment to everyone’s safety,” MODEC stated proudly.
Raia FPSO: A Game-Changer for Brazil’s Energy Future
The FPSO Raia is no ordinary vessel. Designed to operate in the Raia Manta and Raia Pintada fields in the Campos Basin, approximately 200 kilometers off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, this engineering marvel will be permanently moored in waters nearly 3,000 meters deep. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the FPSO will process 125,000 barrels of crude oil and 565 million standard cubic feet of natural gas daily, with a storage capacity of 2 million barrels of oil.
What sets the Raia apart is its innovative design. MODEC has developed a full double-hull structure capable of supporting larger topsides and greater storage capacity than conventional VLCC tankers. This design not only enhances efficiency but also extends the vessel’s service life, making it a sustainable investment for the future.
Brazil’s Energy Revolution: Offshore Gas Processing Takes Center Stage
The Raia project is a cornerstone of Brazil’s energy strategy, marking the country’s first foray into offshore gas processing. Unlike traditional methods, the hydrocarbons produced from the Raia fields will be treated offshore and delivered directly to the transmission system, bypassing the need for onshore processing plants. This groundbreaking approach is made possible by the exceptional quality of the hydrocarbons in the pre-salt layer.
With an estimated investment of $9 billion, the project is set to create up to 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, bolstering Brazil’s energy security and economic development. The gas export pipeline, which will connect the FPSO to a receiving facility in Macaé, is a testament to local collaboration, with 99% of the steel sourced from Brazilian companies.
Green Innovation: Reducing Carbon Footprint with Combined Cycle Technology
Equinor, the operator of the Raia project, is pushing the boundaries of sustainability with the FPSO’s combined cycle gas turbines. This technology, which pairs a gas turbine with a steam turbine to harness excess heat, is expected to reduce the field’s carbon emissions significantly. “The Raia FPSO is projected to be the world’s most efficient in terms of carbon self-production,” Equinor stated. “With an average CO2 intensity of less than 6 kilos per barrel, it sets a new standard for environmentally conscious energy production.”
Once operational in 2028, the Raia FPSO will meet 15% of Brazil’s gas demand, solidifying its role as a key player in the nation’s energy landscape.
