Equinor teams up with energy giants to explore massive potential in the Campos Basin, aiming to strengthen the Brazilian gas market.

In the growing search for excellence in the energy sector, Equinor presents its audacious ambitions for the Campos Basin. In cooperation with renowned names such as Repsol Sinopec Brasil and Petrobras, the oil giant aims to shape Brazil's energy future.

Field of Opportunities: Manta Ray and Spotted Ray

Located 200 kilometers from Rio de Janeiro, the BM-C-33 concession in the Campos Basin is a source of potential, covering sea depths of up to 2.900 meters. It is here that Equinor, together with the consortium, revealed its plans for the fields provisionally named Raia Manta and Raia Pintada. Confirmation of names is pending regulatory approval.

Senior Vice President of Project Development, Trond Bokn, highlights Equinor's commitment to Brazil: “These fields are strategically aligned with our aspirations in a country where we have already established a strong presence. Our team, in collaboration with our partners, will incorporate additional expertise to ensure safe and effective development.”

Technology and Innovation: The Future of Gas Production

The project stands out for adopting an FPSO (Floating Production, Storage and Transfer Unit). This vessel is designed to process gas and oil/condensate, meeting sales standards and eliminating the need for additional treatments on land. With an impressive capacity of 16 million cubic meters of gas daily, the FPSO targets an average flow of 14 million cubic meters per day.

Manta Ray and Painted Ray are not just gas fields; are pillars for the Brazilian gas market. The president of Equinor in Brazil, Veronica Coelho, points to the potential impact on the Brazilian energy scenario: “These fields could meet up to 15% of the country's total gas demand when operational, triggering a revolution in energy security and boosting the economy with job creation.”

Fields offer more than just energy potential. With a total investment estimated at US$9 billion, they have the capacity to generate up to 50.000 local jobs over their lifetime.

Connection with the Coast: The Commercialization Route

Breaking barriers, Raia Manta and Raia Pintada will be the pioneers in Brazil to process offshore gas, connecting directly to the national network. This innovation eliminates the need for onshore processing. The gas sold will be transported via a 200 km gas pipeline, connecting the FPSO to Cabiúnas, in Macaé, Rio de Janeiro.

Also standing out for its environmental commitment, the fields will have a low carbon intensity, optimized by combined cycle gas turbines in the FPSO.

Quick Facts:

• Partnerships: Equinor 35% (operator), Repsol Sinopec Brasil 35%, Petrobras 30%.
• Initial discoveries made by Repsol Sinopec in 2010.
• Equinor took over the operation in 2016.
• Located in the pre-salt of Campos Basin.
• The license is located approximately 200 km from the coast.
• The gas flow capacity is 16 MSm³/sd.
• FPSO with capacity for around 126.000 barrels of oil daily.
• First production expected in 2028.

Source: Lucas Schuenck