ANP requests clarifications from Petrobras before authorizing the resumption of drilling in the Foz do Amazonas Basin

Jan. 8 (PN) The National Petroleum Agency (ANP) has requested clarifications from Petrobras before authorizing the resumption of drilling at the Morpho well in the Foz do Amazonas Basin. The activity was suspended after two auxiliary lines connected to the ODN-II drillship, chartered by Foresea, registered a loss of drilling fluid last Sunday.

The ANP has determined that Petrobras must present a report detailing the causes of the fluid loss and the possible impacts of the incident. The Brazilian Institute of the Environment (Ibama) has also requested a report with information on the fluid used and its biodegradability characteristics, including laboratory reports.

Last Tuesday (6), Petrobras reported that the fluid loss was immediately contained and isolated. The company added that the affected pipelines will be brought to the surface for evaluation and repair, without officially stating the timeframe required for the completion of the service.

The state-owned company also stated that there are no problems with the drilling rig or the well and that the fluid used meets the permitted toxicity limits, in addition to being biodegradable. Drilling of the Morpho well began in October of last year, in a water depth of 2,887 meters. At the time, Petrobras estimated that the activity would last approximately five months.