Brazil’s Largest Offshore Oil Platform Begins Operations in Pre-Salt Region.
Brazil's largest offshore oil production unit, the Almirante Tamandaré, commenced operations in the Búzios Field, situated in the Santos Basin, roughly 180 kilometers off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.
The platform boasts a daily processing capacity of 225,000 barrels of oil and 12 million cubic meters of natural gas, marking a significant milestone for Brazil's energy sector. It will operate 15 wells, including seven oil producers, six water and gas injectors, one convertible well, and one gas injector, all connected through an extensive subsea infrastructure.
Petrobras, which holds an 88.9% stake in the field, alongside partners CNOOC (7.34%) and CNPC (3.67%), received final authorization from Brazil's National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels (ANP) just a day before operations began.
The Búzios Field is part of Brazil's pre-salt region, renowned for its vast petroleum reserves beneath thick layers of salt and rock at depths ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 meters. Petrobras projects that Búzios could soon become its largest production field, potentially exceeding 1.5 million barrels per day, with the Almirante Tamandaré playing a significant role in achieving this goal.
The platform, chartered from SBM Offshore, boasts advanced capabilities compared to typical industry platforms, processing around 150,000 barrels of oil and compressing 10 million cubic meters of gas daily. It also incorporates decarbonization technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, featuring energy-efficient systems that repurpose heat to minimize additional energy demands.
The Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, emphasized the importance of advancing Brazil's oil and gas sector responsibly, highlighting the platform's sustainable features.
Furthermore, Petrobras announced the discovery of new oil reserves in a nearby well at a depth of approximately 5,600 meters, underscoring the region's potential as a cornerstone for Brazil's energy future.
