Brazilian operator Petrobras and Keppel Shipyard Ltd. signed a contract for the construction of the P-83 platform in the Santos Basin pre-salt area, according to a press announcement on Sept. 28.

Petrobras' "New Generation" of platforms will feature higher production capacity and carbon reduction technology, with the P-83 anticipated to produce up to 225,000 bbl/d of oil and 12 MMcm of gas, as well as a storage capacity exceeding 1.6 MMbbl.

Keppel will be responsible for the platform's construction through shipyards in Singapore, China and Brazil, with the expected production start date in 2027.

The platform will be one of the largest to operate in Brazil, making it the 11th unit installed in Búzios and increasing the field's installed capacity to 2 MMbbl/d from its current 600,000 bbl/d. Operator Petrobras holds a 92.6% share in the field, while partners CNOOC and CNODC hold 3.7% each.

In addition, the P-83 will feature closed flare technology, which "increases the use of gas and prevents it from being burned into the atmosphere, in a safe and sustainable way," according to the release. The platform will also be equipped with methane gas detection and carbon capture, utilization and storage technology in an effort to help the company reduce its operational emissions.

Lastly, the P-83 will employ digital twin technology to provide the company with a a virtual reproduction of the platform to allow for several remote simulations and operational tests and ensure safety and reliability, Petrobras stated.