Ocean Installer enters Brazilian offshore market

Ocean Installer has secured its first contract in Brazil through Equinor’s Bacalhau development, marking the Norwegian company’s official entry into one of the world’s most active offshore markets.

Announced on June 3, the award covers installation of rigid jumpers between flowlines and subsea trees, flying leads installation and pre-commissioning activities for multiple wells in Bacalhau Field, located in the Santos Basin. The contract has an initial duration of approximately 4.5 years, with the first offshore campaign expected to begin in 2027.

More significant than the contract itself is the move behind it. Alongside the award, Ocean Installer confirmed the establishment of a Brazilian subsidiary and the hiring of its first local employees, signaling a long-term commitment to the country rather than participation in a single project.

The development adds another international subsea contractor to the Brazilian market at a time when operators continue to advance large-scale pre-salt projects and demand for offshore installation services remains strong.

Located in water depths of approximately 2,100 meters, Bacalhau is Equinor’s largest international offshore field and the first pre-salt asset in Brazil to be fully developed by an international operator.

The company has also indicated that it views Brazil as a long-term growth market, supported by a significant pipeline of future subsea developments. The contract reinforces both the scale of opportunities still emerging from the Brazilian pre-salt and the continued attractiveness of the country for international offshore contractors seeking long-term growth.

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