Ocean Installer, a company specializing in subsea construction and installation and a subsidiary of Moreld ASA, has been selected by Equinor to carry out the well connection work for the Bacalhau project in Brazil. The agreement marks the company’s entry into the Brazilian subsea market and reinforces its international expansion strategy in one of the world’s most active offshore sectors.
The contract covers a 4.5-year execution period with options for extension and additional rigid bridge manufacturing activities. The first offshore campaign is planned for 2027.
A key contract for Ocean Installer’s expansion
The project represents Ocean Installer’s first contract in Brazil and opens the door to new opportunities in the world’s largest market for underwater developments.
According to the company, the work includes the installation of rigid bridges between flow lines and underwater trees, the installation of connecting cables, and the pre-commissioning activities necessary for the start-up of the wells.
Likewise, the phased nature of the development will require flexible execution, as the wells will be connected progressively as the drilling and completion stages are completed.
Bacalhau, one of Brazil’s most important offshore projects
The Bacalhau field is located in the Santos Basin and is developed in ultra-deep waters of approximately 2,100 meters.
This asset is considered Equinor’s largest international offshore project and the first within the Brazilian pre-salt developed entirely by an international operator.
The reservoir conditions present significant technical challenges due to the high reservoir pressure and the complexity of deepwater operations. Therefore, the subsea infrastructure plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient production.
Moreld highlights the strategic value of the agreement
Geir Austigard, CEO of Moreld, noted that the award represents a significant step forward for the business group.
The executive highlighted that the contracted activities are critical for the future production of the asset operated by Equinor and reflect Ocean Installer’s ability to execute complex subsea projects with high standards of safety and reliability.
The company believes the contract constitutes a platform for long-term growth within the Brazilian market.
Local presence to foster new projects
In parallel with the award, Ocean Installer completed the creation of a subsidiary in Brazil and incorporated its first local employees.
The strategy seeks to build a permanent organization capable of meeting the growing demand for underwater projects in the country.
Kevin Murphy, CEO of Ocean Installer, stated that the contract’s duration provides a solid foundation for strengthening the company’s presence in Brazil. He also mentioned a strong alignment between future opportunities in the Brazilian offshore market and the technical capabilities the company has developed in international subsea projects.
With this agreement, Ocean Installer strengthens its image in Latin America and adds a benchmark asset within a global portfolio that continues to expand in the offshore oil and gas segments.
Source and photo: Oceaninstaller
