The global offshore energy sector turns its eyes to Brazil this Monday, May 4, during the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) 2026, in Houston, United States. One of the highlights of the first day is the panel "Offshore Energy in Brazil in Summary - Next Wave and New Frontiers," which debates new opportunities in offshore projects in the country.

The debate brings together the industry's main leaders, moderated by Roberto Ardenghy, President of the Brazilian Institute of Oil, Gas, and Biofuels (IBP), alongside consultant Carlos Mastrangelo, from 4WardMaster, highlighting Brazil's strategic moment as it seeks to boost the advancement of new exploratory frontiers such as the Pelotas Basin and the Equatorial Margin.

Roberto Ardenghy (photo) emphasizes OTC Houston's role as the primary stage for showcasing Brazil's competitiveness on the global energy scene. "Being at OTC is fundamental for us to present Brazil as a leader in the sector. Presenting the technological updates and innovative solutions developed in Brazil allows us not only to share our results but also to attract the necessary partnerships to explore new frontiers, ensuring that the Brazilian industry remains at the forefront of efficiency and productivity."

The panel features weight experts and executives from the industry: Rafael Fernando Nascimento (Búzios 7 Project Manager) and Wilsses Menezes Afonso (Executive Manager of Wells); Pablo Tejera Cuesta (Vice President of Pre-Salt Assets at Shell), Patricia Pradal (President of Chevron Brazil), Felipe Arbelaez (Vice President of Upstream Brazil at bp). Additionally, the forum brings together commercial agents and regulators such as Brad McKinney (Deputy Assistant Secretary - US Department of Commerce), Artur Watt (Director General of the ANP), and Tabita Loureiro (Technical Director of PPSA). The Director of APEX Brasil, Floriano Pesaro, will present the entity's initiatives to support foreign investors.

The IBP will also participate in the panel "The Transformative Technology: The R&D Clause as a Pillar of Energy Development" on the 4th, which will present successful case studies across the entire exploration and production value chain, demonstrating how regulatory frameworks can effectively drive innovation and long-term value generation. The Institute will be represented by Claudio Nunes, Executive Director of Exploration and Production, who will present a study developed in partnership with William Clavijo Vitto, a specialist in Industrial Policy.

Throughout the four days of the event, the IBP – as the representative of the oil, gas, and biofuels sector and the foreign organizing society of OTC - will be present at the exhibition with a booth (#4018) that will serve as a meeting point for its associate operators and service providers operating in the offshore segment.