Swire Oilfield Services Establishes Brazilian Entity

UK-based Swire Oilfield Services, the world’s leading supplier of specialist DNV rated offshore cargo carrying units (CCU) and modular systems, today announces further expansion in South America, with the establishment of a Brazilian incorporated entity, headquartered in Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, the first of its kind in the continent.

Swire Oilfield Services do Brasil Ltda has invested more than £20 million in Brazil following the recent pre-salt discoveries in the south-east of the country. Globally, Swire Oilfield Services has over 150 standard unit designs, a fleet of over 50,000 CCUs and supports the world’s largest fleet of DNV 2.7-1 and EN 12079 rated equipment.

Marcelo Nacif, director & general manager of Swire Oilfield Services do Brasil Ltda, said: “We see definite opportunities for growth in Brazil. Being ultra-deep water, the pre-salt activity will require a more sophisticated and safer logistics solution than presently available. Petrobras, the state-owned energy company and the sole operator of the pre-salt, has recently starting adopting DNV 2.7-1 and EN12079 certified CCU units. This is just the beginning of a culture change transition in the sector.”

With units in operation since the end of 2009, the company has strategically located its main base in the Macaé / Rio de Janeiro region, to offer its services across the entire pre-salt area from São Paulo to Espírito Santos. The operating base can also perform periodic testing, certification and maintenance of the Swire units in accordance with the globally accepted and recognised DNV 2.7-1 standards.

The company employs eight staff and already has approximately 2000 CCUs in market and has contracts in place with many of the major operators and service companies. In addition, Swire Oilfield Services do Brasil Ltda. offers the full range of Swire modular systems, including A60 cabins, workshop units, freezer units and storage units. The local branch will bring its global expertise and quality assurance systems to Brazil, at a time when the country’s hydrocarbon and shipping regulators are proposing to introduce stricter guidelines for the safe carriage of cargo offshore, with total compliance from the beginning by Petrobras.

Rupert Bray, chief operating officer of Swire Oilfield Services, said: “We are delighted to be the first internationally recognised CCU and modular provider to be established not only in Brazil, but across the entire continent.

“Brazil is an important region for the oil and gas industry and our new base is important as part of the company’s growth strategy. The Brazilian project is a priority for Swire Oilfield Services and we have made a solid start in the region. We are fully committed in the development of our local operations, and will be supplying locally manufactured units by the end of 2011.”