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With a 910-day contract and the possibility of an extension to 3,5 years, the DS Carolina drillship promises to increase production in the Sépia and Atapu oil fields, in the Santos Basin, with drilling in ultra-deep waters of up to 40.000 feet.
Brazilian state-owned energy giant Petrobras has just taken another strategic step in its ultra-deepwater oil exploration. The company has signed a long-term contract with Ventura Offshore Midco for the use of the DS Carolina drillship, which will be deployed in the Sépia and Atapu oil fields in the Santos Basin. But what does this mean for the future of the offshore sector in Brazil?
The Sepia and Atapu oil fields are true treasures on the coast Brazilian. They not only reinforce the potential of the pre-salt, but also attract investments from international giants. With the support of DS Carolina, Petrobras hopes to further increase its efficiency and safety in operations.
What is a drillship and its importance for oil fields
Do you know what a drill ship is? These giants of the seas They are true “floating laboratories”, designed to drill and explore the seabed in search of oil and natural gas. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, they operate in deep and ultra-deep waters, where fixed platforms cannot reach.
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In the case of Brazil, drillships are essential to unlock the potential of the pre-salt layer. With huge reserves located thousands of meters below sea level, only vessels like the DS Carolina can carry out safe and efficient operations in these challenging fields.
Details of the contract between Petrobras and Ventura Offshore
The contract signed between Petrobras and Ventura Offshore Midco is robust. Valued at approximately US$363 million, it provides for an initial period of 910 days for operations, with a possible extension of 305 days. This means that DS Carolina will be able to operate in these fields for up to 3,5 years, if the option is exercised.
Guilherme Coelho, CEO of Ventura Offshore, highlighted the company’s commitment to delivering safe and efficient operations. This partnership is a reflection of the long history between the two companies, which have worked together to boost oil exploration in Brazil.
DS Carolina Features
The DS Carolina is no ordinary drillship. It is part of the sixth generation of drilling rigs, which means it is equipped with the latest in offshore technology. With a drilling capacity of up to 40.000 feet deep, it is capable of operating in waters as deep as 10.000 feet.
In addition, the DS Carolina has advanced dynamic positioning (DP) systems, ensuring greater stability and safety during operations. It is like a “surgeon” on the high seas, precise and efficient in each drilling operation.
Sépia and Atapu oil fields: why are they strategic?
Located in the rich Santos Basin, the Sépia and Atapu oil fields are key to Petrobras and its international partners. These areas are known for their voluminous reserves and the quality of the oil extracted, and are one of the pillars of the Brazilian pre-salt layer.
In the Atapu field, Petrobras is working together with companies such as Shell and TotalEnergies, while the Sépia field has partners such as Petronas and QatarEnergy. This diversity of players reinforces the global importance of these projects, which put Brazil on the radar of the world's largest oil companies.
The contracting of the DS Carolina drillship is another chapter in the expansion of the Brazilian offshore industry. With ambitious projects such as Sépia and Atapu, Petrobras consolidates its position as a leader in oil exploration in ultra-deep waters.
For those who want to understand more about this fascinating sector, two tips: follow the news about the pre-salt layer and research technologies such as drilling ships. The future of oil is on the high seas, and Brazil is one of the protagonists of this story.
