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Pre-salt drives new milestones in offshore oil and natural gas extraction
Brazil's offshore oil and natural gas production hit a new record in March 2025, reaching 3,716 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) in the pre-salt layer alone, according to data from the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP). The result represents an increase of 10,9% compared to March 2024, consolidating the strength of deepwater production.
Offshore operations drive historic high
Offshore activities accounted for 97,6% of national oil production and 87,9% of natural gas production, as highlighted by the ANP. Petrobras remained the main operator, accounting for more than 90% of total production, acting individually or in consortiums. In total, 157 pre-salt wells accounted for almost 80% of the volume produced in the country.
According to the Energy Research Company (EPE), the growth of offshore production strengthens Brazil's energy security and attracts new investments to the sector, with emphasis on the fields in the Santos Basin.
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Advances in pre-salt reinforce the importance of oil and natural gas
In the pre-salt layer alone, oil production was 2,883 million barrels per day, while natural gas production reached 132,33 million cubic meters per day. The FPSOs Sepetiba and Guanabara, installed in the shared Mero field, led national production, standing out in productivity and technological efficiency.
FPSO Sepetiba produced, on average, 174.544 barrels per day, while FPSO Guanabara recorded 11,52 million cubic meters of natural gas per day, proving the potential of floating units in offshore production.
Efficiency marks the use of natural gas on offshore platforms
The natural gas utilization rate was 96,5%, with 46,95 million m³/d being utilized by the market. Gas flaring increased to 5,77 million m³/d, driven by the commissioning of the new FPSO Almirante Tamandaré unit, which has been undergoing testing since February. According to the ANP, these variations are expected at this operational stage.
The agency also highlighted that fluctuations in production monthly may result from scheduled maintenance and the entry of new wells into operation.
Offshore production remains a strategic priority
With new platforms coming online and continued technological advancement, Brazil continues to consolidate its position as a powerhouse in offshore production. Data from ANP and projections from EPE indicate that the country should maintain its global position of prominence until the end of the decade, especially with pre-salt resources and investments in maritime infrastructure.
