Jan. 6 (PN) The first operational challenge for Petrobras in the search for oil on the Equatorial Margin. The oil company halted drilling at the Morpho well, in block FZA-M-059, off the coast of Amapá last Sunday (4). In a note sent today the oil company explained that it interrupted the activity after identifying the “loss of drilling fluid” in two auxiliary lines that connect the ODN-II drilling rig, from Foresea, to the well.
Petrobras explained that the loss of drilling fluid was immediately contained and isolated and that the lines will be brought to the surface for evaluation and repair. The oil company also stated that the fluid used meets the permitted toxicity limits and is biodegradable, therefore there is no damage to the environment or to people.
Drilling fluid is injected into the well to maintain ideal pressure, preventing the well walls from collapsing. It also serves to lubricate and cool the drill bit and to stop the ascent of gas and oil, in case of discovery.
Petrobras also emphasized that there are no problems with the drilling rig or the well, which remain in a completely safe condition. “The occurrence also does not pose a risk to the safety of the drilling operation. Petrobras has adopted all control measures and notified the competent authorities,” the company said.
The Equatorial Margin is a new exploratory oil frontier. It plays an important role in ensuring Brazil’s energy security and the resources necessary to enable the energy transition. The region is located above the states of Amapá, Pará, Maranhão, Piauí, Ceará, and Rio Grande do Norte.
It is estimated that the volume of oil in the Equatorial Margin is more than 30 billion barrels (bbl), according to the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP). Due to this volume estimate and the characteristics of the oil, the Equatorial Margin is attracting interest from Brazilian and global companies.
Brazil Energy Insight 
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