Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 3, French tubular solutions provider Vallourec has secured a major contract with TechnipFMC to supply line pipes for Shell’s deepwater Orca project offshore Brazil. The agreement includes more than 20,000 tons of subsea seamless premium carbon-steel line pipes, along with anti-corrosive and thermal insulated coating services. The Orca development, formerly known as Gato do Mato, is situated in the Santos Basin and operated by Shell Brasil.
According to Vallourec, the contract highlights the company’s ability to address technically demanding offshore challenges. “The Orca project is a perfect illustration of Vallourec’s ability to address the most complex technical challenges of offshore environments. This contract, which includes thermal insulation, is a first since the acquisition of Thermotite do Brasil, demonstrating the value of an integrated offering for our local customers,” said Philippe Guillemot, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of the Vallourec Group.
Guillemot further emphasized that the project reinforces Vallourec’s commitment to Brazil: “With full local production and a sustained investment strategy in recent years, it strengthens our presence in Brazil, a strategic market for our activities, and reflects our partners’ trust in our industrial expertise.” The inclusion of thermal insulation services represents the first project of its kind for Vallourec since it acquired Thermotite do Brasil, expanding its portfolio to offer a fully integrated local solution.
The Orca project, renamed from its earlier title Gato do Mato, involves the development of a pre-salt gas-condensate field extending across two blocks—BM-S-54, secured by Shell under a concession contract in 2005, and Sul de Gato do Mato, awarded in 2017 through a production sharing agreement. The project aims to leverage advanced offshore engineering solutions to maximize efficiency and sustainability in production.
TechnipFMC announced in March that it had been awarded an integrated engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (iEPCI) contract for the project by Shell, valued at over $1 billion. The company will provide subsea systems and installation services under its integrated model, combining engineering expertise with project execution capabilities.
The Orca field development is designed to produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) once operational. Production is expected to begin in 2029, supporting Brazil’s continued expansion of its pre-salt energy resources in the Santos Basin.
This collaboration between Vallourec, TechnipFMC, and Shell represents an important milestone in Brazil’s offshore industry, combining global expertise with strong local participation. Vallourec’s investment in local production and its acquisition of Thermotite do Brasil are expected to enhance its competitiveness in the region’s energy market, contributing to the delivery of technically advanced and environmentally responsible offshore infrastructure solutions.
