Petrobras advances in Brazil’s Santos Basin with Mero-2 project start-up

Petrobras, in collaboration with its partners, has initiated production from the second phase of the Mero field development, known as the Mero-2 project. This significant advancement occurs in the Libra block, located in the pre-salt area of Brazil’s Santos Basin, more than 180 kilometers off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.

Significant Increase in Production Capacity:

The Mero-2 project, sanctioned in June 2019, introduces the Sepetiba FPSO, a Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading unit with a capacity of 180,000 barrels of oil per day (b/d). This development brings the Mero field’s total production capacity to an impressive 410,000 b/d. The Sepetiba FPSO is designed for zero routine flaring, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, and features gas reinjection technology for environmental sustainability.

Future Developments and TotalEnergies’ Share:

With two additional phases, Mero-3 and Mero-4, currently under construction and expected to start by 2025, the full capacity of the Mero field is set to exceed 100,000 b/d in TotalEnergies‘ share. These developments highlight the field’s potential as a major oil production site.

Petrobras and Partners Launch Mero-2 Project: Expanding Oil Production in Brazil’s Santos Basin. Photo courtesy of SBM Collection.

TotalEnergies’ Commitment and Strategy:

Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, emphasized the significance of the Mero-2 project for the company, particularly in Brazil, a crucial area for growth. He highlighted the project’s alignment with TotalEnergies’ strategy of delivering low-cost and low-emission oil production.

Partnership Dynamics:

The Mero field is operated by Petrobras with a 38.6% stake, in partnership with TotalEnergies (19.3%), Shell Brasil (19.3%), CNPC (9.65%), CNOOC (9.65%), and Pré-Sal Petróleo S.A (PPSA) holding a 3.5% share.

Technological Innovations and Environmental Focus:

The FPSO Sepetiba, part of a comprehensive production system, incorporates cutting-edge technologies to boost production efficiency and enable Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) activities. This approach signifies Petrobras’s commitment to high productivity and decarbonization, as outlined by its president, Jean Paul Prates.

Petrobras’ Technical Capacity and Ambitious Goals:

Petrobras, under the leadership of its director of Engineering, Technology, and Innovation, Carlos José Travassos, has demonstrated remarkable technical capacity, successfully commissioning five FPSOs within a year. This achievement underscores Petrobras’ intention to invest in production growth and Brazil’s development.