Petrobras is taking a key step toward unlocking Brazil’s Equatorial Margin, mobilizing the 2012-built drillship Foresea ODN II (NS-42) to block FZA-M-59 offshore Amapá for a pre-operational assessment—the final stage before obtaining a drilling license.
Scheduled for August 24, the exercise will involve more than 400 personnel, supported by vessels, helicopters, and the drillship stationed at the site. Brazil’s environmental regulator Ibama will oversee operations, ensuring compliance with wildlife protection, emergency response, and communication protocols through a simulated accident response.
If successfully completed, Petrobras will secure a drilling permit for the well, following similar procedures carried out in Rio Grande do Norte in 2023.
Petrobras CEO Magda Chambriard highlighted the company’s focus on safety and environmental responsibility, stressing that confirmation of reserves in the Equatorial Margin could mark the opening of a new energy frontier for Brazil.
As part of its 2024–2028 strategic plan, Petrobras has earmarked $3.1 billion for exploration in the Equatorial Margin, targeting 16 wells, with total exploration investments set to reach $7.5 billion by 2028.
