French tubular solutions provider Vallourec has been awarded a significant contract by TechnipFMC to supply line pipes for the Orca project (previously known as Gato do Mato), a major deepwater oil and gas development operated by Shell in Brazil's Santos Basin. 

The integrated contract encompasses the delivery of more than 20,000 tons of subsea seamless premium carbon-steel line pipes needed for the project's risers and flowlines, critical components for transporting hydrocarbons from the seabed. 

In addition to the pipe supply, the agreement includes specialized services such as anti-corrosive and thermal-insulated coating.

This contract marks a key milestone for Vallourec's operations in Brazil, particularly in demonstrating the value of its local capabilities. 

The company noted that the inclusion of thermal insulation services marks the first such initiative since its acquisition of Thermotite do Brasil, highlighting its ability to offer an integrated solution to local customers.

“The Orca project is a perfect illustration of Vallourec’s ability to address the most complex technical challenges of offshore environments,” said Philippe Guillemot, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of the Vallourec Group. 

He emphasized that the contract, with its full local production and sustained investment strategy in recent years, strengthens Vallourec’s presence in Brazil, a "strategic market" for the company.

Guillemot added that the award "reflects our partners’ trust in our industrial expertise." The Shell-operated Orca development is a key deepwater venture, and Vallourec's role will be central to its subsea infrastructure.