Vallourec has announced the signing of a major contract with engineering company TechnipFMC for the development of the Orca project, operated by Shell Brasil in the Santos Basin. This contract covers the delivery of over 20,000 tonnes of seamless premium carbon steel pipelines, intended for deepwater operations. These components will be used for subsea risers and flowlines, critical for transporting hydrocarbons extracted offshore.
A fully localised project in Brazil
All pipes provided under this contract will be produced locally at Vallourec’s Brazilian plants. This national sourcing choice aligns with the group’s industrial strategy, which has reinforced its production capacities in Brazil in recent years. In addition to the pipes, the contract also includes anti-corrosion and thermal insulation coating services, made possible by the acquisition of Thermotite do Brasil.
Integrated technology for complex offshore environments
The integration of coating services into the contract marks a first for Vallourec in the Brazilian market. The group thus highlights its ability to offer a comprehensive solution to operators active in deep offshore, a sector known for its high technical requirements. This operation confirms the growing interest in integrated solutions for large subsea projects.
Strategic position strengthened in the South Atlantic
The contract awarded by TechnipFMC comes amid a revival of oil investments off the Brazilian coast. The Santos Basin remains a key hub for offshore developments, with several large-scale projects under planning or execution. The Orca project, formerly known as Gato do Mato, is one of the cornerstone projects in this dynamic.
According to industry data, the offshore premium steel pipeline market is experiencing sustained growth in Latin America, driven by the resurgence of production in pre-salt areas. Vallourec’s participation in this type of project could enhance its competitiveness in upcoming high-value tenders.
