Descomissionamento de plataformas de produção de petróleo

Abstract

The decommissioning of offshore oil production structures has been an issue that has gained prominence for its importance over the years. The study of this activity analyzes everything from the removal of the production unit to the closure of wells, aiming to prepare the area where oil and natural gas exploration took place for return in the post-production period. All of this is done in such a way that the environmental impact is reduced to the maximum. There are many issues to be refined and worked on so that the applied techniques can evolve, and decommissioning, being a current challenge, will require advances in technology, and also the development of more efficient and intelligent strategies, in order to reduce the costs of process. Thus, this work aims to study the decommissioning activity and its existing techniques for offshore oil production platforms, through a literature review on the subject. The variables that influence decommissioning projects are analyzed, in addition to the challenges present in this activity. To this end, an analysis of the regulatory frameworks of countries with more experience in oil exploration and production, such as the United States, United Kingdom and Norway, is also carried out, in order to understand how this knowledge can contribute to the activity in Brazil. In addition, the main national regulations are also discussed in order to guide and monitor projects in the most appropriate way. With the information collected, it is possible to analyze the current panorama of this activity in Brazil, as well as study Executive Programs for Facility Decommissioning, in order to verify the chosen approaches and their respective justifications. Thus, it is clear that it is important to distinguish each structure used and its particularities for better decommissioning decision-making, as well as finding out about the regulatory approaches of more experienced countries and adapting them to the reality of Brazil, defining the most appropriate approach with the least consequences for all parties involved in the process. In addition, the most recent ANP Resolution No. 817/2020 allows for a better structuring of decommissioning projects, organized and following a more solid regulatory framework and with fewer loopholes for risk, whether social, environmental or economic. Thus, taking into account the inclination towards offshore production in Brazil in deep and ultra-deep waters in the coming years, it is necessary, in addition to a firm regulatory framework, also investments in technology and research so that these operations are carried out in the best possible way, aiming for minimal impact and risk.