Petrobras Mobilizes to Resume Drilling on the Equatorial Margin

Feb. 20 – Petrobras has already begun preparations to resume drilling of the pioneering well in block FZA-M-059, in the Foz do Amazonas Basin, on the Equatorial Margin. As a reminder, activity has been suspended since January 4th, following a loss of drilling fluid on the Foresea drillship ODN-II.

“Petrobras has begun preparations to resume operations at the Morpho well, on the Equatorial Margin, linked to compliance with ANP recommendations and after providing all clarifications requested by the regulatory agency,” the oil company said in a statement sent to the Petronotícias newsroom.

The company further emphasized that it operates in full compliance with current regulatory requirements, providing all necessary clarifications to the competent authorities and rigorously meeting all demands from said authorities.

At the time of the drilling rig failure, Petrobras reported that the fluid loss was immediately contained and isolated. 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.

In early February, the National Petroleum Agency (ANP) authorized Petrobras to resume drilling in the block, after technical analyses were carried out and mitigating measures were proposed by the company.

Drilling of the pioneering well in block FZA-M-059, named Morpho, 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.