The world’s leading composite pipe technology company Strohm was awarded a contract with independent E&P operator PRIO (formerly known as PetroRio) to provide its composite pipe solutions to support operations at its Frade field.
This contract with PRIO marks the first time Thermoplastic Composite Pipe (TCP) is used for permanent subsea operations in the region, following its increased adoption by other operators across the globe.
The Frade subsea development is located in the deepwater Northern Campos Basin off the coast of Brazil, with wells tied back to a floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel.
Strohm has the world’s largest track record for manufacturing and installing TCP flowlines and jumpers. Under this award, the company has already delivered two sets of TCP Jumpers for gas lift service, one 1,300m long and the second 900m long, both delivered onto transportation and installation reels. The TCP Jumpers feature a weight coating designed for sustained on-bottom stability whilst maintaining maximum weight benefit.
Both lines were successfully installed by PRIO in Q2 2023, at approximately 1,200m water depth, where the Normand Pioneer vessel was deployed for the offshore installation campaign.
As a result of TCPs lightweight properties, unlike alternatives, it could be transported and installed by a small, multi-purpose vessel greatly reducing costs and carbon emissions.
TCP can be used for a wide spectrum of applications such as supporting the mature fields in Brazil currently being revamped and re-developed by independent operators such as PRIO. It is also suited to ultradeep waters with high CO2 contents, typical of the pre-salt province.
Renato Bastos, VP Brazil with Strohm, said: “We are thrilled to support this field redevelopment with PRIO, an innovative, modern, and nimble independent operator, which is standing out in the mature fields business stream that is emerging in Brazil through its tried and tested approaches.
“It is a testament to Strohm's ability to efficiently serve both the brownfield and greenfield segments with our TCP portfolio and its lightweight, corrosion free and low CO2 benefits.
“Our ability to collaborate effectively to jointly find the best solutions for this project was key to winning the new business. We believe this is just the start of a long-lasting, trusted relationship which has the potential to bring more TCP on stream in the region in years to come.”
Iuri Rossi, PRIO’s Subsea Manager, said: “PRIO understands Strohm as a strategic partner for field redevelopment for many reasons but we would highlight the flexibility with the jumper on demand possibility, the short delivery lead time and the capacity to adapt to the fast changes in line with the way PRIO work. To be dynamic is one of our core values and Strohm is definitely a dynamic company.”.