(WO) – Equinor has began drilling operations for the Raia growth in Brazil’s Campos basin, marking a key step ahead for one of many nation’s largest offshore pure fuel initiatives.
The Valaris DS-17 drillship spudded the primary properly on March 24, kicking off a marketing campaign that may embody six wells throughout the Raia space, situated roughly 200 km offshore in water depths of about 2,900 meters. The undertaking targets recoverable assets exceeding 1 billion boe in Brazil’s pre-salt province.
Raia is anticipated to play a big position in strengthening Brazil’s fuel provide, with deliberate export capability of as much as 16 million cubic meters per day—equal to roughly 15% of present nationwide demand—when manufacturing begins in 2028.
The event will make the most of a floating manufacturing, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit, with produced fuel transported by way of a 200-km pipeline to the Cabiúnas terminal in Rio de Janeiro state. The undertaking represents Equinor’s largest worldwide funding to this point, with whole spending estimated at $9 billion.
“Raia is Equinor’s largest undertaking underneath execution and marks the deepest water depth operation in our portfolio,” mentioned Geir Tungesvik, govt vice chairman for Tasks, Drilling and Procurement. “Along with our companions and suppliers, we’re making use of world-class expertise and many years of offshore experience.”
Equinor operates the undertaking with a 35% curiosity, alongside companions Repsol Sinopec Brasil (35%) and Petrobras (30%). The corporate mentioned drilling actions are progressing in parallel with FPSO integration and commissioning, protecting the undertaking on observe for startup in 2028.
Pictured: The Valaris DS-17 drillship. Picture: Valaris.
