Petrobras inks $61m automation deal with ABB

Zurich, Switzerland - ABB has signed an exclusive $61-million frame agreement with Petrobras to supply process automation systems and related services to eight oil refineries in Brazil over the next five years. The deal with the Brazil-based major represents one of the largest installations of ABB automation systems within the petrochemical industry.

Under the deal, ABB will supply its extended automation System 800xA for process automation with integrated substation automation functions, software and hardware, upgrades of existing installed ABB control systems, as well as other project management and engineering services. The agreement includes $29 million for engineering services.

Acording to ABB, its process automation technology will help Petrobras expand production at its refineries, maximize energy efficiency, and optimise maintenance and operation costs. It will also help produce fuels with lower sulfur content, which have fewer emissions than other fuel blends, the vendor added.