Petrobras and GE Strengthen Technology Partnership with $90M Investment on New Wellstream Logistics Base in Niterói, Brazil
· New GE-Wellstream Facility to Underpin Long-Term, Logistics Services Contract with Petrobras, Initially Valued in Excess of $200M
· Strengthens GE-Wellstream’s Dedicated High-Tech & Services Support to Petrobras for Deepwater Oil and Gas Production Projects
· Underscores GE’s Strong Presence in Brazil, Creating Approx. 500 New Local Jobs
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL—June 15, 2011—GE (NYSE: GE) Oil & Gas is pleased to announce that its Wellstream business, acquired in March, has been awarded a long-term, flexible pipe and subsea equipment logistics services contract by Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras), one of the largest companies in Latin America which also controls significant energy assets in 18 countries worldwide. The long-term contract is initially valued in excess of $200M.
To perform the long-term contract, GE will build a dedicated 55,000 sq. metre, $90M investment Wellstream flexible pipe and subsea equipment Logistics Base in Niterói, a commercial hub located 14 kms outside Rio de Janeiro. Petrobras will use the new facility to support its development of pre-salt oil and gas field projects in the Campos and Santos basins offshore Brazil.
Luis Araujo, president—Wellstream Brazil, GE Oil & Gas said: “We are delighted to be selected by Petrobras for this contract and to strengthen our relationship with a new, $90M investment logistics facility dedicated to directly meeting Petrobras’ ongoing subsea logistics requirements. The Wellstream Logistics Base will further expand GE’s presence in Brazil and create up to 500 new jobs, helping to build local skills and expertise. This clearly demonstrates that, within the GE family, Wellstream is delivering value for customers and shareholders.”
The new Logistics Base will be strategically positioned close to a number of key Petrobras components and services suppliers and adjacent to GE-Wellstream’s existing Niterói manufacturing facility which supplies Petrobras and other operators in Brazil with high-quality, flexible risers and flowline products for oil and gas transportation subsea.
As well as dedicated warehouses, de-washing and flushing stations, the new facility will feature state of the art loading and handling equipment, including: capacity to store 140 reels, to handle loaded reels with 300 tonnes, and to berth installation and commercial vessels simultaneously with 8.5 meters draft and 220 meters in length. The project will create approximately 250 direct jobs and 250 indirect jobs by the start of its operation in the third quarter of 2012.
GE Oil & Gas has an established presence in Brazil and serves its deepwater segment with integrated drilling & production subsea equipment and services, as well as high-tech unit and modular gas turbines and compressors solutions for fixed & FPSO applications.
In March, GE completed its $1.3 billion acquisition of Wellstream, a leading engineer and manufacturer of high-quality flexible pipeline products for oil and gas transportation in the subsea production industry. The transaction broadened GE Oil & Gas’ extensive subsea production systems equipment and service capabilities and positions GE for continued growth in key deepwater regions worldwide, including Brazil, Africa and Asia.
GE will open a new $100M investment Global Research Center in Rio de Janeiro in 2012.
About GE Oil & Gas
GE Oil & Gas (www.ge.com/oilandgas) is a world leader in advanced technology equipment and services for all segments of the oil and gas industry, from drilling and production, LNG, pipelines and storage to industrial power generation, refining and petrochemicals. GE Oil & Gas also provides pipeline integrity solutions, including inspection and data management, and designs and manufactures wire-line and drilling measurement solutions for the oilfield services segment. GE Oil & Gas exploits technological innovation from other GE businesses, such as aviation and healthcare, to continuously improve oil and gas industry performance and productivity. GE Oil & Gas employs more than 20,000 people worldwide and operates in over 100 countries.
About GE Energy
GE also serves the energy sector by providing technology and service solutions that are based on a commitment to quality and innovation. The company continues to invest in new technology solutions and grow through strategic acquisitions to strengthen its local presence and better serve customers around the world. The businesses that comprise GE Energy www.ge.com/energy—GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas—work together with more than 90,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; as well as other alternative fuels and new grid modernization technologies to meet 21st century energy needs.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world’s toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
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