Santos Basin, Brazil — October 16, 2025. Offshore engineering firm MODEC Inc. announced that the FPSO Bacalhau has achieved First Oil production as of October 15, 2025, marking a major milestone for both MODEC and Equinor. The project is MODEC’s first collaboration with Equinor in Brazil’s pre-salt region and ranks among the largest FPSOs ever delivered to the country.
Installed in the Bacalhau field within Brazil’s Santos Basin, the FPSO is designed to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day. It features MODEC’s innovative M350 Hull, engineered for higher capacity, stability, and longer service life under deepwater conditions. The vessel represents MODEC’s 17th FPSO/FSO delivered to Brazil and the 9th operating in the pre-salt area, reinforcing the company’s leadership in floating production systems.
MODEC stated, “We are proud to announce that the FPSO Bacalhau has achieved First Oil production, marking a significant milestone for MODEC and our client. We look forward to continued collaboration and success in Brazil’s energy sector.”
Operating in over 2,000 meters of water depth, Bacalhau is one of Equinor’s most technically advanced offshore assets in South America. Its start of production marks an important step in expanding Brazil’s pre-salt output, which is expected to contribute over 70% of national oil production by 2030.
With First Oil achieved, MODEC and Equinor will focus on ramping up production and optimizing system performance. The milestone further strengthens MODEC’s role as a global FPSO leader and highlights Equinor’s continued commitment to sustainable offshore development in Brazil.
