The New Drillship Atlantic Zonda Will Soon Depart for Brazil, Where It Will Begin Its First Drilling Mission for Petrobras.
The drillship Atlantic Zonda is ready to begin its journey to Brazil. After completing upgrades and sea trials, it will shortly depart for its first offshore drilling mission, which will be conducted for Petrobras. This contract will last for 36 months and marks the beginning of the drillship’s operations in ultradeep waters. The Atlantic Zonda, built with Samsung 96K design, has the capacity to operate at depths of up to 12,000 feet.
Preparations for Petrobras Mission
Before the trip to Brazil, the drillship Atlantic Zonda underwent various preparations.
These preparations include the installation of essential systems, such as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and managed pressure drilling (MPD).
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Additionally, enhancements were made to equipment, including the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and a drill cutting drying system.
The dynamic positioning (DP) system also received upgrades to ensure operational precision.
The thrusters of the drillship Atlantic Zonda were also refurbished to ensure adequate performance.
Changes were made to ensure the Atlantic Zonda complies with Brazilian regulations and industry standards.
To guarantee safety during operations, safety management and maintenance systems were implemented, as well as the acquisition of necessary spare parts and tools.
History of Atlantic Zonda
The drillship Atlantic Zonda, previously known as Pacific Zonda, was acquired by Eldorado Drilling in April 2023 for an estimated value of US$ 200 million.
The rig was originally ordered by Pacific Drilling in 2013, but the project was canceled in 2015.
Now, with its new name and under new management, the drillship is ready to conduct drilling in Brazil.
Project Monitoring
Pelago Management, responsible for managing the Zonda Project, expressed enthusiasm about the progress of the operations.
In a statement on LinkedIn, the company highlighted the importance of collaboration with Ventura Offshore, contracted for the drilling, and thanked several partners, such as Seatrium and other companies involved in the project.
The success of the drillship Atlantic Zonda’s journey reflects the collective effort and commitment to operational excellence.
Future Prospects for Petrobras with the Arrival of the Drillship
The arrival of the drillship in Brazil represents a significant opportunity for Petrobras to expand its deepwater drilling operations.
With the growing demand for oil and gas, the ship is positioned to effectively contribute to the exploration of new fields.
Furthermore, it is expected that the advanced technology of the drillship Atlantic Zonda will provide greater efficiency and safety in operations, aligning with industry best practices.

Sejam bem vindas para o desenvolvimento do Brasil
Coitado dos animais, com todo este sonar embaixo da água.
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