On November 28, 2024, Equinor and Tenaris celebrated a major milestone in the Raia offshore energy project, marking the completion of steel pipe production at Tenaris’s welded mill in Pindamonhangaba, Brazil. The celebration, hosted by Equinor, brought together key leaders and project teams from both companies, highlighting the strength of their collaboration throughout the development of this important energy infrastructure project. The Raia project is set to become one of the most significant offshore energy developments in Brazil, and the successful production of steel pipes for the subsea gas pipeline is a key step toward its operational launch in 2028.
The Raia project entails the construction of a 200-kilometer subsea gas pipeline that will connect a next-generation Floating Production Storage and Offloading unit in the Campos Basin to the Cabiúnas terminal in Macaé, Brazil. The pipeline will play a critical role in enhancing Brazil’s natural gas supply, with a capacity to transport up to 16 million cubic meters of natural gas per day, equivalent to 15% of the country’s total demand. The project, which has secured an investment of $9 billion USD, is expected to be operational by 2028 and is also poised to create a lasting impact on Brazil's energy infrastructure and economy.
The steel pipe production for the Raia project involved the manufacturing of 83,000 metric tons of pipes at Tenaris’s Confab mill in Brazil. These pipes will be used for the construction of the subsea pipeline and will play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and durability of the project. The pipes for the deepest sections of the pipeline have been specially designed with advanced collapse-resistant features to withstand extreme water depths of up to 2,900 meters. The pipeline’s coatings, applied to both the interior and exterior of the pipes, include an internal coating to enhance gas flow, external anti-corrosion protection, and concrete layers to provide negative buoyancy and mechanical protection. These specialized coatings are essential to ensure the pipeline’s performance and longevity in the challenging offshore environment.
Renato Catallini, President of Tenaris in Brazil, emphasized the importance of collaboration and technical expertise in delivering a project of this scale. He noted that Tenaris’s advanced pipe solutions were critical to ensuring the Raia pipeline meets the highest performance standards. By working closely with Equinor, Tenaris was able to integrate its cutting-edge technology and extensive experience in the subsea pipeline market to support the successful completion of the project’s key components.
The Raia project is set to provide a boost to Brazil’s domestic steel and energy industries. Over 99% of the steel used for the pipeline was sourced from local Brazilian mills, contributing to the development of the national steel industry and supporting the country’s industrial growth. The project is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with estimates suggesting that up to 50,000 jobs will be created throughout the lifecycle of the project, from construction to operation. This collaboration between Tenaris and Equinor highlights the importance of local sourcing and workforce development in large-scale infrastructure projects, ensuring that both the economy and local communities benefit from the project.
This milestone in steel pipe production marks just one part of the broader Raia project, which promises to be a cornerstone of Brazil’s future energy infrastructure. As the project progresses, the advanced steel pipes and coatings manufactured by Tenaris will play an integral role in transporting natural gas efficiently and safely from the offshore Campos Basin to the Cabiúnas terminal. The successful completion of this phase of production underscores Tenaris’s position as a key supplier of high-performance pipeline solutions in the energy sector, particularly in Brazil’s growing offshore industry.
Furthermore, the Raia project sets a new benchmark in operational efficiency and sustainability. With a focus on reducing environmental impact, the pipeline and its associated infrastructure are designed to meet the highest sustainability standards. The project is expected to contribute significantly to Brazil’s energy security and economic growth, providing a reliable source of natural gas to meet the country’s energy needs while creating a positive impact on local communities and industries.
Tenaris’s involvement in the Raia project also highlights the company’s commitment to providing advanced pipeline solutions for major energy infrastructure projects globally. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and local development, Tenaris continues to build on its reputation as a leading provider of high-quality steel products and services for the energy industry. As the Raia project moves closer to its operational phase, Tenaris will continue to play a key role in ensuring the successful delivery of this major energy project in Brazil, which will serve as a critical link in the country’s natural gas supply chain for years to come.
Through this partnership with Equinor, Tenaris is not only advancing Brazil’s energy infrastructure but is also contributing to the broader goal of energy sustainability, setting the stage for future collaborations in the global energy market.
