Unidades flutuantes de produção, armazenagem e transferência de óleo: conversão de navios em plataformas tipo FPSO

Abstract

Oil exploration in ever deeper waters and in locations far from the continent was virtually impossible to use platforms such fixed and semi-submersible oil drilling offshore. Then came an economically viable and strategically interesting move to solve this problem using single-hull ships with the conversion to FPSO platforms - Floating Production, Storage and Offloading Units. The hull used are the VLCC of the 70's and 80's, already unable to navigate according the international laws, as they were without the double bottom currently required. Will be presented in this paper the main features and procedures used in these conversions include not only the placement of new modules for exploration and production of oil, but also maintenance and improvement of networks, structures and equipment of the original vessel to ensure a longer life and without the need for conventional dockings. With the demand for oil exploration and production in several existing wells as well as the newly discovered, including the giant pre-salt, makes the major shipyards in the world to specialize more in this type conversion, this business with good growth prospects and proven profitable financial return.