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Equinor Initiated Oil Production at Bacalhau Field, One of the Largest Pre-Salt Projects in Brazil, Using a Modern FPSO with Strategic Impact for the Offshore Sector
The Norwegian Equinor officially began oil production at the Bacalhau Field, located in the Santos Basin, being one of the most relevant projects in the Brazilian oil industry in this decade. According to an article published by the Portal Terra and other sources, with the start of operations of the FPSO Bacalhau, a floating unit with the capacity to process more than 220,000 barrels per day, the company reinforces its strategic presence in the pre-salt, consolidating Brazil as a key piece in its global portfolio.
Equinor Inaugurates Largest International Offshore Operation in Brazil
The investment decision for the Bacalhau Field was made in 2021, with an initial forecast for startup in 2024. After adjustments to the schedule, production began in October 2025.
According to Anders Opedal, CEO of Equinor, with this development, the company consolidates the longevity of its oil and gas production and ensures value generation for the coming decades.
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The Bacalhau Field has recoverable reserves exceeding 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent, making it the largest international offshore project for Equinor to date. The operation is conducted about 185 km off the coast of São Paulo State, in the ultra-deep waters of the Brazilian pre-salt.
FPSO Bacalhau: Cutting-Edge Technology for the Pre-Salt
The production is made possible by an FPSO (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading), a vessel 370 meters long, designed to operate in extreme environments.
The FPSO Bacalhau was built and commissioned in Singapore, being transported for two months to Brazil, where it underwent anchoring and connection processes with the already drilled wells.
With the capacity to process more than 220,000 barrels per day, the FPSO Bacalhau represents a technological and logistical advancement for operations in the pre-salt. The unit can also be equipped to store and transfer oil, reducing the need for land infrastructure and increasing operational efficiency.
Bacalhau Field: Strategic Potential for Brazil
Discovered in 2012, the Bacalhau Field is considered one of the largest discoveries of the last decade in the Santos Basin. The area is operated by Equinor, in partnership with ExxonMobil and Petrogal Brazil.
The project is seen as a game changer for the national industry, not only for its production volume but also for the adoption of sustainable practices and low-carbon technologies.
Oil production at the Bacalhau Field is expected to gradually increase until 2026, with planned updates to enhance capacity and efficiency of the system. The operation also contributes to strengthening the local production chain, generating jobs and boosting the regional economy.
Brazilian Pre-Salt: A Hub of Innovation and Growth
The Brazilian pre-salt has established itself as one of the main oil exploration hubs in the world. With depths exceeding 2,000 meters, the pre-salt layer requires innovative solutions and robust investments.
Equinor’s entry with its largest international operation reinforces confidence in the region’s potential. The expectation is that this number will increase with the introduction of new projects like Bacalhau, which combine high productivity with environmental responsibility.
Equinor and Its Investments in Brazil
Equinor has expanded its operations in Brazil since 2001, focusing on long-term projects and local partnerships. In addition to the Bacalhau Field, the company is involved in other initiatives in the pre-salt, such as blocks BM-C-33 and Carcará. The company’s commitment includes investments in innovation, operational safety, and emissions reduction.
The activation of the Bacalhau Field marks a milestone in Equinor’s trajectory in Brazil, consolidating the country as one of the company’s main investment destinations outside Norway. The operation also reinforces Brazil’s position as a global leader in offshore oil production.
FPSO Bacalhau and the Challenges of Offshore Engineering
The construction and operation of an FPSO like Bacalhau involve significant technical and logistical challenges. The unit was designed to withstand adverse conditions, operate with high energy efficiency, and minimize environmental impacts. The anchoring system, for example, uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure stability in deep waters.
In addition, the FPSO Bacalhau is equipped with automated production control systems, environmental monitoring, and operational safety. The integration of these systems enables a safer, more efficient, and sustainable operation, aligned with global decarbonization goals.
Equinor Initiative: Oil Production and Economic Impacts
Oil production at the Bacalhau Field is expected to generate positive impacts on various fronts. Economically, the project is estimated to significantly contribute to increased royalty and tax revenue, in addition to fostering the development of local suppliers and service providers.
Studies indicate that each new project in the pre-salt can create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, as well as boost sectors such as logistics, shipbuilding, and technology. The Bacalhau Field, due to its scale and complexity, is a clear example of this multiplier potential.
Sustainability and Innovation at the Bacalhau Field
Equinor has adopted sustainable practices at all stages of the Bacalhau project. Among the implemented measures are the reinjection of gas to maintain reservoir pressure, the use of electricity generated by high-efficiency turbines, and continuous monitoring of marine biodiversity.
Additionally, the company invests in research and development to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations. Equinor has been exploring low-carbon technologies in its projects, including initiatives focused on carbon capture and storage.
The Future of Oil Production in Brazil
Production Begins at Bacalhau Field in Full Force, marking a new chapter in the history of the Brazilian Oil Industry. With the FPSO Bacalhau operational, Equinor activates its largest international operation, reinforcing its presence in the pre-salt and elevating Brazil to a new level of energy prominence.
This project not only represents a technological and economic advancement but also symbolizes a commitment to innovation and sustainability. The Bacalhau Field is undoubtedly one of the pillars of the future of oil production in the country, and its success will be closely monitored by the entire sector.
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