Developing an Innovative Deepwater Riser System: From Concept to the Full Production of Buoy Supporting Risers (BSR)

摘要

This paper describes the evolution of Buoy Supporting Risers (BSR), from inception to successful deployment and full production in the Santos Basin development, offshore Brazil. It was a process that started with the early engagement of the operator and contractors on concept and feasibility studies, through identification of potential application scenarios and into a fast track development of basic engineering, bidding, detailed design and construction. The process involved the early selection of development partners and the joint management of R&D and engineering in order to identify and develop existing and emerging technologies, as well as managing the construction of assets and identifying methodologies, all under a single commercial structure. Then, the specifications and work scopes were jointly developed and fixed lump-sum prices were agreed, under a competitive bidding. This model avoided the going back-and-forth and eliminated most of the delays, introducing a great deal of collaborative spirit and transparency. In this case, following an initial feasibility engagement some 20 years before and the identification of a real application scenario, through the above process, it has been possible to develop the major BSR decoupled riser technology from concept selection to full production mode in about five years. The major portion of such period is related to the complete execution of the largest EPIC SURF project executed in Brazil up to that date, where several world-first technologies were implemented in a harsh weather environment, allowing the operator to achieve the production ramp-up plan. In this journey, it took a lot of focus and tenacity from all involved parties to overcome major challenges and ensure that pioneer technology is implemented and available for further applications.