Roncador Module IV: A Successful Case of Heavy Oil Projects in Ultradeepwaters

Abstract

The Giant field of Roncador was by far the largest discovery made in Brazil in the 90´s. Its approved Development Plan relies on its separation in four modules, due to significant reserves involved and difference among oil characteristics found. The field is already producing with SS P-52 and FPSO P-54 since 2007, for modules IA and II respectively. Soon the field will also count with SS P-55, which will start operations for Module III in 2013 and FPSO P-62, which will have its first oil for Module IV at the first quarter of 2014, and represents the focus of this work.The Roncador Module IV is located at the center of the block, placed on the northeast of Campos Basin, 125 KM far away from the Brazilian coast. Currently, its reserves are over 500 MM boe, saturated with 18 º API heavy oil. The wells are being constructed in ultra deep waters, with variations depths between 1650 and 1750 meters of water column. This paper presents an overview of the project, including strategic drivers adopted on its design, which sought to mitigate risks and reduce deployment costs, as well as its scope and the journey since the selection of alternatives through the current status, with the FPSO P-62 under final phase of construction and assembling at the Estaleiro Atlântico Sul Shipyard in Recife and near the beginning of its operation in the Roncador field. The operation in advance of four wells (three producers and an injector one) using the already installed infrastructure of the field, will also be presented in this work.