Baker Hughes to Provide Petrobras with 77 km of Flexible Pipe Systems

Baker Hughes, a leading energy technology company, has recently secured a major contract with Petrobras to provide 77 kilometers of flexible pipe systems for use in Brazil's pre-salt fields. Signed on October 15, 2024, after an open tender process, the contract involves a multi-year project that includes risers and flowlines for hydrocarbon production, as well as systems for gas and water injection. The project also includes support services like equipment storage, maintenance, and installation. The first equipment deliveries are expected to begin by mid-2026, with the systems set for use across Petrobras’ key fields, including Búzios, Libra, Berbigão, Sururu, and Sépia.

A critical focus of the project is addressing stress-induced corrosion cracking (SCC-CO2), a challenge posed by high concentrations of CO2 in pre-salt fields. Baker Hughes’ flexible pipe technology is designed to mitigate SCC-CO2, a type of corrosion that can damage flexible pipes when CO2 is reinjected into wells to reduce flaring and improve oil recovery. This approach aligns with Petrobras’ commitment to lowering atmospheric CO2 emissions, as CO2 storage becomes an essential tool for producing lower-carbon oil barrels.

“Brazil’s Santos Basin has tremendous potential to power Latin America’s future,” said Amerino Gatti, executive vice president of Oilfield Services & Equipment at Baker Hughes. He emphasized the unique challenges of operating in deep waters with high CO2 levels and noted that Baker Hughes’ advanced subsea technology and expertise in offshore operations will support Petrobras in harnessing this resource safely and efficiently.

Baker Hughes has a long-standing presence in Brazil’s offshore oil and gas sector, contributing to the country's economy and reinforcing its energy supply chain through a strong localization strategy. The company's manufacturing facility in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, serves as a major supplier of flexible pipe systems for the industry, employing hundreds in the region. In addition to this recent contract, Baker Hughes has secured multiple agreements with Petrobras in 2024. These include contracts for 69.1 kilometers of flexible pipe systems and associated services, as well as integrated well construction services for the Búzios field. The company has also provided integrated solutions for workover and plug-and-abandonment services across Petrobras’ pre-salt and post-salt fields, underscoring its role as a key partner in Petrobras' development of Brazil’s offshore resources.

Through these partnerships, Baker Hughes continues to play a vital role in advancing sustainable energy solutions in Brazil, combining industry-leading technology with local manufacturing and support to meet the evolving needs of the oil and gas sector in Latin America.