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Brazil's strength emerged from the depths of the sea: discover the platforms that made history in oil production and marked generations of the offshore industry.
Brazil has become a world leader in offshore oil production. And much of this is due to the performance and history of the platforms that operate — or have operated — in the deep waters off our coast. From pioneering structures to modern pre-salt giants, each platform has a story that helped build the energy power that the country is today.
Enchova: a milestone in the beginning of the Brazilian offshore era
The Enchova platform, located in the Campos Basin, was one of Brazil's first major deepwater ventures. Installed in the 80s, it symbolized the beginning of the expansion of the offshore sector. Despite being marked by a tragic accident in 1984, which resulted in dozens of deaths, Enchova also represented an important turning point in the operational safety of the national industry.
Grouper: pioneering with national technology
Another platform that made history in Brazil's first offshore steps was Garoupa. Also operating in the Campos Basin, it stood out for its pioneering use of equipment manufactured in the country, consolidating the beginning of the nationalization of the production chain. Oil and Gas. His performance helped to form the base of technical knowledge that today supports the major pre-salt projects.
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P-36: the largest in the world and the biggest accident
For many years, the P-36 was the largest semi-submersible platform on the planet. With its extremely high production capacity, it became a symbol of ambition and technical prowess. However, in 2001, it suffered a serious explosion and ended up sinking, in one of the biggest disasters in the global oil industry. The episode was a turning point, leading to major revisions in safety and maintenance protocols.
P-74: rebirth in Búzios
The P-74 marked the resumption of Brazil's leading role in the sector after years of instability. It began operating in 2018 in the Búzios field, in the pre-salt layer of the Santos Basin, with a production capacity of up to 150 barrels per day. In addition, it brought modern technologies gas reinjection and water separation, becoming a model of efficiency and safety.
P-70: power in Atapu
Operating in the Atapu field, also in the pre-salt layer, the P-70 represents the new generation of Petrobras platforms. With a capacity similar to the P-74, it reinforces the role of the pre-salt layer as the largest source of national production. Its construction involved shipyards in Brazil and China, consolidating strategic partnerships and gaining prominence for meeting deadlines and operational targets.
P-77: symbol of integration and national engineering
The P-77 is one of Petrobras' most iconic platforms in recent years. Producing in the Búzios field, it combines robustness with technological efficiency. Its construction in Brazil has reinforced the country's capacity to deliver large, complex units. In addition, it operates with advanced oil and gas separation systems, being one of the most complete examples of the evolution of the Brazilian offshore industry.
FPSO Guanabara: environmental innovation in the pre-salt
The FPSO Guanabara is one of the first in the Mero field, in the Santos Basin. It stands out for incorporating technology for separating and reinjecting CO₂ directly into the seabed, contributing to the reduction of pollutant gas emissions. This unique feature has made it a model of sustainability and innovation in the oil sector, paving the way for cleaner operations.
FPSO Carioca: leadership in production
The FPSO Carioca platform has become one of the leading production platforms in Brazil. In 2024, operating in the Sépia field, it surpassed the 170 barrels per day mark. In addition to its significant volume, its operational stability and low failure rates place this unit among the most efficient in Petrobras' recent history.
FPSO Almirante Barroso: cutting-edge technology in Búzios
Starting operations in 2023, the FPSO Almirante Barroso reinforces the position of the Búzios field as the country's main production hub. With the capacity to process 150 barrels per day and a complete gas reinjection system, the platform combines performance with environmental commitment. Its design was designed to maximize oil recovery with minimal impact.
FPSO Sepetiba: power in the Mero field
The newest star of Brazilian production is the FPSO Sepetiba, which began operations in December 2023. With a capacity of 180 barrels of oil per day and 12 million cubic meters of natural gas, it consolidates the Mero field as one of the most promising in the pre-salt layer. This unit features the latest technological advances and promises to be one of the production leaders in the next decade.
These platforms represent more than just gigantic structures in the sea. They tell the story of Brazil, which dared to explore the ocean floor to secure energy, development and knowledge. With each one, we learn, evolve and show the world the strength of national engineering.
In your opinion, which of these platforms best represents Brazil's progress in the oil sector?
