The replacement of the riser was completed this Thursday (19), in Aracaju (SE), reinforcing the potential for generating electricity for the region.
Seagems, a Brazilian company specializing in subsea engineering solutions, successfully completed its first activity in partnership with Eneva in the early hours of this Thursday (19): the replacement of a flexible riser in Aracaju (SE) at the Porto de Sergipe thermoelectric plant, which has the potential to become the largest in Latin America.
The riser, a pipe that connects an offshore floating storage structure to a subsea system (swivel), is used to transport fluids from the surface to the seabed and then to land, ensuring the transfer of natural gas for electricity generation.
Preparations for the riser replacement began in October, shortly after a premature failure in the original pipeline. The incident disrupted the gas supply to the thermoelectric plant and its connection to the national natural gas network operated by TAG, the company responsible for transporting this fuel via pipelines. Seagems was selected to resolve the issue.
Other companies involved in the operation are expected to conclude their activities at the site next Wednesday (24). The installed flexible riser, measuring 14’’ x 90m, will facilitate natural gas transfer between the FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) vessel Energos Nanook and Eneva’s Thermoelectric Plant, located in Barra dos Coqueiros, Sergipe.
Energy Generation Potential
“This project is of great strategic importance for the region, as the Sergipe Thermoelectric Plant has the capacity to generate up to 5 GW of power, making it the largest in Latin America. The FSRU has a storage capacity of 170 Mm³ of liquefied natural gas and a regasification capacity of up to 21 Mm³/day, extremely high figures,” explains Marcos Adriano, Special Projects Superintendent at Seagems.
According to Marcos Adriano, the installation of the new riser was particularly challenging due to the complexity of handling the 14” line combined with environmental conditions in shallow waters between 8 and 13 meters deep. “The installation was conducted using the YOKE system in continuous motion, requiring advanced techniques and extensive coordination between diving and engineering teams,” he adds.
To overcome operational challenges, Seagems adopted an innovative approach that involved creating new protective devices for the riser, facilitating its placement in the trench and ensuring the equipment’s integrity.
Strategic Importance of the Project
The anchoring system used to install the storage unit (FSRU) in Sergipe was developed by Norway’s APL-NOV and is among the first of its kind worldwide. “Due to its complexity, Seagems‘ expertise was crucial to ensure the safety and efficiency of this operation. The SSY (Submerged Swivel and Yoke) system allows the FSRU to rotate freely around the anchorage, enabling efficient gas transfer with minimal downtime,” adds Marcos.
In addition to being a critical project for Eneva, the installation of the new riser also represented a strategic opportunity for Seagems. During the downtime between contracts with Petrobras, the company carried out an extensive preventive and corrective maintenance campaign for the Esmeralda vessel and its equipment, ensuring that all certifications were up-to-date and systems were ready for the next contract. The project also strengthens its partnership with Eneva, a promising client planning to expand similar projects to other states in Brazil.
About Eneva
Eneva is one of Brazil’s largest integrated energy operators, with investments in natural gas exploration and production, electricity generation, and renewable energy projects. The company is a benchmark in innovation and sustainability, operating in various regions of Brazil and planning to expand its operations.
About Seagems
Specializing in practical subsea engineering solutions, Seagems provides innovative responses to the offshore energy industry’s demands. The company operates a fleet of six PLSV vessels and has offices in Rio de Janeiro, Rio das Ostras, and Vienna. Seagems is 100% Brazilian, resulting from a joint venture between two renowned multinationals: Sapura Energy Behard and Paratus Energy Services Ltd. Currently, Seagems holds long-term contracts for its entire fleet serving Petrobras.