Brazilian state-controlled company Petrobras has launched a public electronic auction for the sale and green recycling of two semi-submersible production platforms, the P-19 and P-26. This initiative marks the first such auction in Brazil for semi-submersible units and continues the decommissioning program for ageing infrastructure in the Marlim field of the Campos basin, following the prior sale of the P-32 and P-33 FPSO vessels.

Auction Details and Process

The auction is scheduled for 13 February. Interested bidders can physically inspect the platforms, which are stationed in Rio de Janeiro state, until 23 January. The process will be conducted in two distinct phases: the first phase is designed to qualify companies capable of performing green recycling, while the second phase is dedicated to price competition. Petrobras has set minimum prices at 1.69 million reais for the P-19 and 1.58 million reais for the P-26.

Key Changes and Market Impact

To make the auction more attractive, Petrobras has introduced changes to the recycling requirements. Notably, the winning bidder will be permitted to perform the green recycling on impermeable soil instead of being restricted to a drydock, a modification from the process used for the previous FPSO sales. The disposal of these two platforms is expected to introduce approximately 40,000 tonnes of steel into the market. Petrobras anticipates this move will create additional opportunities for Brazil to establish itself in the sustainable vessel recycling sector.

Broader Decommissioning Context

Beyond the P-19 and P-26, Petrobras is also tendering for the decommissioning of the P-35 and P-37 FPSOs in the Marlim field. This separate competition differs in scope, as the winner will be responsible for deactivating the floaters, selling the topsides modules as scrap, and preserving the FPSO hulls for potential reuse in future Petrobras revitalization projects.