In a lunchtime talk, Petrobras’ exploration and production director, Solange Guedes, presented the company’s highlights in ultra-deepwater exploration

Petrobras was the highlight (Wednesday, October 28) at the Brazilian Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), held at the Riocentro convention center in Rio de Janeiro. During the lunchtime talk called “Development of Brazilian Pre-Salt and Technological Innovations in Ultra-Deep Waters at Petrobras,” the company’s exploration and production director, Solange Guedes, talked about the significant reduction (more than 50%) in the pre-salt well construction time since 2010 and the lifting cost per barrel in this layer (US$9, compared with an average of US$15 among major oil companies). She also emphasized the high productivity of pre-salt wells, the fact that production has tripled in 30 months, and Petrobras’ average operational efficiency rating of 92.4% over the last three years.

According to Guedes, Petrobras’ experience acquired in offshore exploration and development has been crucial in allowing it to break through the barrier of 1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in the pre-salt, which occurred in September. “Petrobras has attained a unique combination of costs, productivity and efficiency. Consequently, we have a very competitive portfolio,” she explained. She also gave an overview of the company’s offshore exploration since the 1970s, which has enabled its success in pre-salt exploration.

Guedes also stressed the importance of the work of Petrobras’ technicians, partners and suppliers in achieving these good results, and highlighted the work of Antonio Carlos Capeleiro Pinto, an engineer who received the OTC Distinguished Achievement Award for Individuals, due to his contribution to the technical and managerial development of deep and ultra-deep water oil fields. Pinto is a specialist in Petrobras’ offshore field reservoir engineering and development plan design area, and for the last nine years he has worked in pre-salt areas in Santos Basin.

“Petrobras has allowed me to make all my dreams come true. After 33 years at the company, I must thank the competent professionals who worked with me on every challenge. I’ve learned a lot from my colleagues. Challenges can only be overcome if you study, work in a team, respect your values and are committed. I am very proud to be part of the Petrobras team,” he said.

Petrobras’ executive manager for the Libra area, Anelise Lara, took part in a special session called “Meeting of Leaders from Professional Associations.” She stressed the importance of professional associations in spreading knowledge to new generations of technicians in the oil and gas industry. She also highlighted the integrated work of Libra’s multidisciplinary project team, which includes employees from the five companies in the consortium operating in the area, carrying out projects in many different areas of knowledge.

Lara also presented information about the Libra exploration project, which has so far drilled four wells: two in the northeast area and two in the central area. She said that the first production development phase will focus on Libra’s northeast area. The first extended well test is planned for the first quarter of 2017, while the pilot project is scheduled for 2020.

Another highlight of the day was a panel discussion called “Pre-Salt – The First 1 Million Barrels of Oil Equivalent per Day,” which involved Petrobras executives and technicians, including OTC award-winner Antonio Capeleiro Pinto. In September, Petrobras broke through the barrier of 1 million barrels of oil and gas per day in the pre-salt, and also set a daily record of 1.120 million barrels of oil equivalent.