Mero Field: Subsea Development Challenges

Abstract

Abstract This paper will present the technological achievements in the subsea scope of the Mero field development, which was recognized with the Distinguished Achievement Award by OTC Brazil in 2019. Mero is the third largest Pre-Salt field, being the first one developed under a Production Sharing Contract that was awarded by Libra Consortium in 2013, where Petrobras (38,6%) is the operator in partnership with Shell Brasil (19,3%), Total (19,3%), CNOOC (9,65%) and CNPC (9,65%). The Consortium also has the participation of the Brazilian state-owned company Pré-Sal Petróleo - PPSA (3,5%). The paper will detail the subsea system development for the Mero field and how the Mero EPS (Early Production System) operation influenced the final configuration for all Mero Projects. This paper will also present the technical challenges that had to be overcome to successfully start the production through EPS and Mero 1 Projects. This includes various new solutions for Brazilian Pre-Salt and offshore industry. The Mero 1 development has proved to be a success with the achievement of the highest oil production flowrate per FPSO (250,8 kboepd)in Brazil in early 2023. Its subsea architecture has been considered and applied not only for the next Mero Projects, but also for future Petrobras Pre-Salt Projects. ln addition, the paper will introduce the new technologies that Petrobras and its Partners are developing together with suppliers, to overcome the future challenges of the field. This paper will contribute to the offshore industry by sharing the experiences and innovative technologies adopted in the subsea system for this complex Pre-Salt development.