Feasibility analysis of recycling an offshore oil and gas platform in Brazil
摘要
Oil and gas production fields in Brazil are reaching maturity levels in terms of exploration, and several offshore platforms have started to be decommissioned and recycled. This article develops a cost model for analyzing the economic feasibility of recycling an offshore platform of the Floating Production Unit (FPU) type, considering the weights, mainly of ferrous scrap and noble materials, and the equipment present. The method employed considers acquisition costs at Brazilian national and international auctions, as well as management and operating costs for the recycling yard. We conducted a Monte Carlo simulation in the Oracle Crystal Ball® Software to analyze the historical prices charged for scrap exports, and established scenarios with variations in sales prices on international markets. The results show a positive Net Present Value (NPV) for all simulations, with profit margins exceeding 16%. For the pessimistic scenario, scrap revenue and a residual value were 1% of the FPU equipment and machinery sales. Under these conditions, the profit margin was 12.6%. Thus, the results indicate that recycling the FPU is feasible, fostering a sustainable recycling market for offshore assets when considering the export of ferrous scrap and noble materials to the international market. These facilities have noble materials that increase the profit margin, especially considering sales to the foreign market.