Peregrino oil field

Peregrino oil field is a major offshore heavy oil development located in the Campos Basin, approximately 85 kilometers off the coast of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Discovered in 2004, the field is situated in the South Atlantic Ocean at water depths ranging from 100 to 120 meters. It represents one of the largest international projects operated by Equinor and is a significant asset in Brazil's offshore pre-salt and post-salt hydrocarbon portfolio.

Location and discovery

The field is situated in Block BM-C-7, a concession area awarded during Brazil's National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) licensing rounds. The discovery well, designated 1-BRSA-369A-RJS, was drilled in 2004 by the original license holder, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation. The find was made in the prolific Campos Basin, a geological province responsible for the majority of Brazil's historical crude oil production. Following the discovery, further appraisal drilling confirmed the commercial viability of the heavy oil accumulation, leading to the development plan sanctioned by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA).

Geology and reservoir characteristics

The primary reservoir consists of Cretaceous-age carbonate rock formations, specifically microbial coquina deposits, which are characteristic of certain post-salt sections in the Campos Basin. These reservoirs are located below a thick layer of salt and are distinct from the deeper pre-salt layer reservoirs found in basins like Santos Basin. The oil is classified as heavy oil, with an API gravity ranging from 13 to 14 degrees, and is highly viscous, requiring specialized production and processing techniques. The reservoir structure is a large stratigraphic trap with good porosity and permeability, facilitating fluid flow.

Development and production

The development utilizes two identical Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, the Peregrino and the Peregrino C, which are among the largest of their kind operating in Brazil. The first phase, with the Peregrino FPSO, began production in April 2011, employing a network of horizontal production wells and advanced water injection for enhanced oil recovery to maintain reservoir pressure. A second phase, involving the Peregrino C FPSO, was sanctioned to access additional resources in the southern part of the field, significantly boosting overall capacity. The field's processing facilities include dedicated equipment for heating the viscous crude and separating large volumes of produced water.

Ownership and operatorship

Equinor (formerly Statoil) is the field operator and holds a 60% working interest, having acquired its position from Anadarko Petroleum Corporation in 2008. Its partner is the Chinese state-owned Sinochem Group, which holds the remaining 40% interest, acquired from Statoil in 2010. The concession rights for Block BM-C-7 are governed by a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), representing the Federal Government of Brazil. Daily operations and strategic direction are managed by Equinor from its offices in Rio de Janeiro.

Economic and environmental aspects

The field is a substantial contributor to Brazil's energy sector, with a peak production capacity designed for 100,000 barrels of oil per day, making it a key asset for both Equinor and Sinochem Group. Its development involved significant capital investment and technology transfer, including advanced Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) and drilling techniques for heavy oil. Environmental management plans, approved by Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), focus on monitoring marine ecosystems, managing produced water and drilling waste, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through measures like flare gas recovery. The project adheres to strict Brazilian environmental legislation and international standards promoted by the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP).

Category:Oil fields in Brazil Category:Campos Basin Category:Equinor