ABB secures Petrobras FPSO electrical automation contract amid industrial automation revolution
In a landmark move that underscores the rise of intelligent automation in offshore energy, ABB has secured a major contract from Seatrium to equip Petrobras’ new P-84 and P-85 floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels with advanced electrical and automation solutions. This project, centered on Brazil’s Atapu and Sépia oil fields roughly 200km off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, highlights how industrial automation is reshaping energy production—with ABB’s cutting-edge automation equipment set to power an all-electric setup designed for unprecedented efficiency.
Petrobras’ decision to adopt an all-electric concept for these FPSOs marks a pivotal shift in the industry, relying on ABB’s expertise in integrating intelligent automation technologies. The contract entails ABB designing topside and hullside electrical systems, electrical substation automation, and prefabricated eHouses—all leveraging technologies like the 800xA automation platform and IEC 61850 standards to ensure seamless interoperability of intelligent electrical devices. For the first time, Petrobras will deploy electrically driven compressors and motors, contributing to a massive 165MW power generation capacity—a testament to how automation equipment can transform offshore operations.
ABB’s scope of work includes implementing the first offshore application of its three Is-limiter configuration, a critical component for managing short circuits in systems with high-power capacity. These fast-acting devices protect electrical components by limiting short-circuit current before it reaches its peak, reducing mechanical and thermal stress on equipment. Meanwhile, ABB Singapore will construct the FPSO topside systems, housed within prefabricated eHouses designed to encase medium-voltage and low-voltage switchgear, power equipment, and automation cabinets. The UniGear ZS1 switchboard, essential for safe and reliable power distribution, will be manufactured at ABB’s Sorocaba factory in Brazil, integrating local industrial automation capabilities into the project.
This development arrives as the Brazilian FPSO market experiences significant growth, with potential investment estimated at \(21 billion (116.24 billion reais) in 2026–27. Globally, the FPSO market is projected to reach \)46.2 billion by 2033, driven by demand for efficient offshore production. Each new vessel will have a production capacity of 225,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd), aligning with the International Energy Agency’s forecast of global supply capacity rising to nearly 114 million barrels daily by 2030.
Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division, emphasized the project’s significance: “The offshore energy industry requires innovative solutions and technologies, at scale and at pace, to support an effective and secure energy market. With our ability to meet advanced technical requirements and high safety standards, along with our deep commitment to energy efficiency, we look forward to working with Seatrium on this large-scale and complex project.”
He added: “By combining our technical excellence in industrial automation with a commitment to energy efficiency, we’re enabling Petrobras to meet the growing demand for secure, reliable energy. This collaboration exemplifies how intelligent automation and innovative automation equipment can transform complex offshore projects for the better.”
As the global energy sector navigates the balance between production and sustainability, ABB’s work on the P-84 and P-85 vessels sets a new standard for integrating intelligent automation into offshore operations. The project not only supports Petrobras’ goal of efficient power generation but also demonstrates how advanced automation equipment can enhance reliability, reduce environmental impact, and drive long-term value in the evolving landscape of industrial automation for energy infrastructure.
