"Let’s Drill, Baby!": Petrobras President Defends Exploration of the Equatorial Margin at the World’s Largest Oil and Gas Conference

“Let’s Drill, Baby!”: Petrobras President Defends Exploration of the Equatorial Margin at the World’s Largest Oil and Gas Conference

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 08/05/2025 at 08:53

Créditos: Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil

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With the phrase “Let’s drill, baby!”, Petrobras President Magda Chambriard firmly defends the exploration of the Equatorial Margin, pointing to the project as strategic for energy sovereignty and reducing inequalities in Northern Brazil

During the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), held in Houston, United States, Petrobras President Magda Chambriard emphasized the importance of oil exploration in the Brazilian Equatorial Margin.

The event, held on Tuesday (6), was marked by emphatic statements from the executive, who firmly defended the advancement of the project. Next to the governor of Amapá, Clécio Luís (Solidarity), Magda stated: “We will have good surprises once we receive the license to drill.”

One of the Last Frontiers of Oil in Brazil

The statement was recorded in a video and confirmed by Petrobras to the newspaper Valor Econômico, which had exclusive access to the content. The Equatorial Margin encompasses six states: Amapá, Pará, Maranhão, Piauí, Ceará, and Rio Grande do Norte.

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“Let’s Drill, Baby!”: Energy Sovereignty on the Agenda

In front of an international audience, Magda used a striking phrase: “Let’s drill, baby!”. The expression, common in political debates in the United States, was redefined in the president’s speech as an affirmation of Brazilian energy sovereignty.

The goal, according to her, is to show that Brazil is willing to advance in the responsible exploration of its resources, even in the face of external and internal pressures.

Amapá Bets on Economic Turnaround

The panel where Magda spoke was organized by the Brazilian Institute of Oil and Gas (IBP). In it, Governor Clécio Luís reinforced the importance of exploration for Amapá.

“We really need these resources, and we believe it is possible to do this safely,” he stated. Petrobras assured that it will use advanced technologies and follow strict environmental protocols.

The statements come amid an institutional impasse with the Brazilian Institute of Environment (Ibama). So far, the environmental agency has not granted the necessary license for drilling to begin.

The resistance is attributed to the influence of Environment Minister Marina Silva. The Ibama’s stance has even been criticized by members of the government.

Political Support Grows

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also expressed his views on the topic. In an interview, he stated that Ibama “cannot linger any longer.” The remark was seen as a gesture of support for the position of Senator Davi Alcolumbre (Union-AP), the main political advocate for the initiative.

In March, Ibama approved the cleaning plan for the rig that will be used in the operation. It was an important step in the licensing process. However, the final authorization has not yet been granted, even in the face of appeals from authorities in the North of the country.

For Magda and allies of the project, the support for the Equatorial Margin is more than a technical issue. It is a right of Brazil to explore its riches responsibly and with social commitment.

With information from Brasil 247.

“Let’s Drill, Baby!”: Petrobras President Defends Exploration of the Equatorial Margin at the World’s Largest Oil and Gas Conference

With the phrase “Let’s drill, baby!”, Petrobras President Magda Chambriard firmly defends the exploration of the Equatorial Margin, pointing to the project as strategic for energy sovereignty and reducing inequalities in Northern Brazil

One of the Last Frontiers of Oil in Brazil

“Let’s Drill, Baby!”: Energy Sovereignty on the Agenda

Amapá Bets on Economic Turnaround

Political Support Grows

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“Let’s Drill, Baby!”: Petrobras President Defends Exploration of the Equatorial Margin at the World’s Largest Oil and Gas Conference

With the phrase “Let’s drill, baby!”, Petrobras President Magda Chambriard firmly defends the exploration of the Equatorial Margin, pointing to the project as strategic for energy sovereignty and reducing inequalities in Northern Brazil

One of the Last Frontiers of Oil in Brazil

“Let’s Drill, Baby!”: Energy Sovereignty on the Agenda

Amapá Bets on Economic Turnaround

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