TITLE:
Brazilian ssm-FLNG Offshore, a Conceptual Solution of a System as a New Frontier of National Production and Technological Innovations
AUTHORS:
Lauron Arend, Daniel Prata Vieira, Fernando Cörner da Costa, Edmilson Moutinho dos Santos, Alberto Fossa, Mateus Castagnet, Thiago Roviello, Xuefeng Hu, Junkai Feng
KEYWORDS:
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG), Brazilian Energy Transition, Monetization of Brazilian Natural Gas
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Engineering and Technology,
Vol.13 No.4,
November
5,
2025
ABSTRACT: The Brazilian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) market is expanding, driven by regulatory changes, new investments, and the search for cleaner, more flexible energy sources. The infrastructure for gas transportation from offshore wells to the coast currently depends on Routes 1, 2, and 3, which are already operating at their full capacity, limiting its availability on the continent. Therefore, Small-Scale Maritime LNG emerges as an alternative bringing natural gas to the shore for inland distribution, using road, railroad, and waterway transport. Recently, a strategic opportunity has arisen to use offshore Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) platforms, connected to Brazil’s pre-salt platforms, to monetize natural gas that was previously mostly reinjected into reservoirs. This technological solution allows gas to be liquefied and exported directly from the sea, overcoming logistical challenges and increasing resource utilization. The Búzios Field, in the pre-salt Santos Basin, is an emblematic example. Considered the largest ultra-deepwater field in the world, Búzios has a large volume of associated gas, and FLNG initiatives are being studied to enable the commercialization of this gas, reducing reinjection and adding value to the asset. On the other hand, the high carbon dioxide content in the raw natural gas could be reinjected into oil wells after being separated before gas liquefaction process. The opening of the sector and the entry of new players have promoted greater competition and diversification, reducing dependence on Petrobras. Despite the existence of several regasification terminals, many operate below capacity due to the predominance of hydroelectric power. However, the demand for energy security is expected to increase the use of LNG during critical periods. The main challenges include market concentration, logistical limitations, and the need for innovation to enable gas access in remote regions. LNG, especially with the use of FLNG, is considered strategic for the energy transition, with potential for decarbonization and regional integration displacing heavy fuel oil, diesel oil, and gasoline. The development of innovative logistical solutions and the consolidation of a free gas market are fundamental for strengthening the sector in Brazil, in addition to enabling the meeting of fuel demand for future replacement by biogases and green hydrogen.