December 12, 2019 The development of Buzios production in the Santos cluster will require the hiring of seven new FPSOs. The units will be able to produce at least 180,000 bpd - 30,000 bpd more than the platforms contracted for the project so far. The development plan was unveiled to the press last Wednesday (11/12)... Continue Reading →
Brazil economic stars align, turning 2020 into ‘make or break’ year
Conditions for buoyant economic growth in Brazil have rarely, if ever, been better, making 2020 a “make-or-break” year for Latin America’s largest and long underachieving economy. Unprecedented monetary stimulus, huge strides on the government’s reform agenda to bring public finances under control and open up the economy, and a record low exchange rate should help... Continue Reading →
Petrobras studies IPO to sell control of Gaspetro in 2020
December 11, 2019 Petrobras President Roberto Castello Branco said Wednesday that the company wants to make an initial IPO of Gaspetro in the second half of 2020. The oil company has a commitment to Cade to leave the natural gas distribution segment. According to Castello Branco, however, there is resistance from Mitsui to be the... Continue Reading →
Petrobras and CNPC conclude that refinery construction at Comperj is not viable
Dec 11, 2019 Petrobras and China's CNPC have ended talks on the possibility of building a refinery at Comperj in Itaboraí (RJ) after concluding that the project would not be economically viable, Petrobras president Roberto Castello Branco said on Wednesday. The executive stressed that it "makes no sense" strategically for the company to invest in... Continue Reading →
S&P revised Brazil’s sovereign rating to positive
S&P Global Ratings revised on Wednesday 11 December 2019 Brazil’s sovereign rating outlook to positive from stable and affirmed the debt grade at ‘BB-’, citing as main driver behind the revision fiscal consolidation measures aimed at reducing Brazil's still large fiscal deficit. Moody's credit rating for Brazil was last set at Ba2 with stable outlook.... Continue Reading →
Polarcus wins 10-month seismic acquisition program in Brazil
Dec 12, 2019 Seismic services provider Polarcus has been awarded a marine seismic acquisition program in Brazil. Polarcus said on Thursday that the program would start in the third quarter of 2020 with a duration of approximately ten months. The program comprises 4D acquisition in obstructed areas with a multi-azimuth component. Polarcus has not revealed... Continue Reading →
Brazil cuts rates to record low 4.50%, flags cautious approach
Brazil’s central bank cut its benchmark Selic interest rate to an all-time low of 4.50% on Wednesday, but indicated that with borrowing costs so low and economic growth starting to pick up, it may mark a pause in the easing cycle, if not the end. The unanimous decision by the bank’s nine-person rate-setting committee, known... Continue Reading →
Petrobras discloses teaser for sale of its stake in TAG
December 11, 2019 - Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras reports that it has started the opportunity disclosure stage (teaser), relating to the sale of its remaining stake (10%) in Transportadora Associada de Gás S.A. (“TAG”). The teaser, which contains key information about the opportunity, as well as the eligibility criteria for selection of potential participants,... Continue Reading →
Petrobras about the Amendment to Transfer of Rights Agreement
December 11, 2019 – Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. – Petrobras following up on the release dated November 1, 2019, informs that, in alignment with its cash management strategy and in accordance with the provisions of the Amendment Term to the Transfer of Rights Agreement, paid to the Federal Government the amount of R$ 34.420 billion (thirty-four... Continue Reading →
SBM Offshore Inks FPSO Sepetiba Contracts
SBM Offshore announced on Wednesday that it has firmed up contracts with Brazil’s Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) for the 22.5-years lease and operation of a floating production, storage and offloading unit (FPSO) to be deployed at the Mero field in the Santos Basin offshore Brazil. FPSO Sepetiba, formerly known as Mero 2, will be built... Continue Reading →