Petrobras advances Tupi Field redevelopment with LR approval for FPSO concept

Petrobras has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for the conceptual design of its proposed REVIT I TUPI Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit, supporting plans to redevelop the Tupi Field in Brazil’s Santos Basin.

The proposed FPSO design is based on the existing FPSO P-68, which is currently operating in the Santos Basin. Petrobras intends to use the established platform design as the basis for a new production unit, incorporating modifications to process systems and equipment to meet the specific requirements of the Tupi Field redevelopment.

The approach is intended to build on operational experience from an existing offshore asset while reducing the engineering complexity, development risks and delivery timelines associated with designing a new FPSO from the ground up.

The AiP follows LR’s assessment of the preliminary design documentation. The review found no conceptual issues against the applicable industry reference requirements and confirmed that the proposed design could be developed into a safe and viable solution through further engineering and project development.

The assessment covered process engineering documentation, including process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, equipment specifications and supporting technical studies.

LR also reviewed the methodology Petrobras will use to manage design changes, with particular attention to identifying, evaluating and implementing modifications to the original FPSO P-68 configuration throughout the project lifecycle.

Vahid Andaji Garmaroudi, Technical Support Office (TSO) Portfolio Manager, LR Energies, said: “Across the offshore industry, we’re seeing growing interest in how proven FPSO designs can be adapted and redeployed to support new developments. Operators are looking for ways to shorten project timelines, reduce complexity and build on existing operational experience. The REVIT I TUPI project is a strong example of that approach in action, and our assessment provides independent confidence in the concept as it moves forward.”

Hugo Canella, Petrobras Account Manager, LR Energies, added: “This Approval in Principle marks an important milestone in the collaboration between Petrobras and Lloyd’s Register. We are pleased to have supported Petrobras throughout this stage of the REVIT I TUPI project and look forward to continuing our collaboration as the project progresses through its next phases of development.”

The approval represents an early-stage design milestone for the REVIT I TUPI project. Further engineering and development work will be required before the proposed FPSO design can progress towards implementation.