ABB and MODEC partner to advance Shell’s next-generation FPSO Gato do Mato
Brazil’s offshore oil and gas sector is expanding rapidly, led by the vast pre-salt Santos Basin, recognized for its strategic energy reserves. The Orca field, located in water depths of around 2,000 meters, represents a flagship development for a consortium led by Shell. FPSO Gato do Mato – Orca Project is being carried out through a partnership among Shell (50%), as operator, Ecopetrol (30%), and TotalEnergies (20%), with PPSA participating as the Production Sharing Contract manager. To bring this resource into production, the consortium is deploying the Shell Gato do Mato FPSO, a newbuild facility designed for a long operational life. The vessel is engineered for high performance, featuring advanced process systems capable of producing up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day.
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Project snapshot
- Customer: MODEC
- End user: Shell
- Location: Santos Basin, Brazil
- Scope: New topside and hull electrical equipment
- Vessel type: Floating production storage and offloading (FPSO)
- ABB scope focus: Integrated Electrical Power, Control, and Marine Systems
Optimizing FPSO Capabilities for Deepwater Deployment
Operating an FPSO in ultra-deepwater environments like the Santos Basin presents significant technical complexity. Success relies on managing high load density and ensuring safe, stable operations across all systems in harsh marine conditions. This requires a highly reliable and fully integrated electrical infrastructure.
MODEC and ABB entered into a close partnership early in the project lifecycle to develop and optimize the system architecture. This early engagement was crucial for ensuring the long-term reliability and integrity of the FPSO’s core systems.
Working collaboratively, ABB is delivering the integrated electrical solution for both the topside and hull. This integrated package includes:
- E-House package
- Power Management System (PMS)
- Control and Monitoring Systems
- Marine equipment and transformers
By contributing technical expertise during the design phase, ABB supported MODEC in shaping a fit-for-purpose solution tailored to the demanding operational and safety standards required by Shell. Our integrated solutions are engineered to ensure maximum availability, performance, and seamless integration across the FPSO’s complex topside processes.
Collaborating for Success in Strategic Energy Markets
ABB's long-standing relationship with MODEC and proven capability to meet the demanding technical standards of leading International Oil Companies (IOCs) were instrumental in forging this partnership. Our early involvement and deep engineering expertise have enabled optimal system design and guaranteed robust, integrated performance across the FPSO.
As Brazil’s offshore sector continues its strategic growth, FPSO Gato do Mato stands as a testament to the efficient collaboration between MODEC and ABB, delivering technologies that enable safe, efficient, and reliable deepwater production.
We are delighted to celebrate the first steel cut for the FPSO Gato do Mato E-House. This module is a vital component of the topside, housing the high-performance electrical systems delivered by our partner, ABB. This milestone reinforces our commitment to working with trusted partners to integrate specialized technology and ensure the highest quality solutions for our client.
Harpal Singh Marwah, Construction Site Manager, MODEC.