Equinor Begins Production at Bacalhau Field
- Production at Bacalhau field began on 15 October with recoverable reserves over 1 billion boe.
- The field is located in Brazil's Santos Basin, in water over 2,000 meters deep.
- Phase 1 includes 19 wells, with updates expected in 2026 during ramp-up.
- FPSO features CCGT technology, reducing CO₂ intensity to around 9 kg per boe.
Production Start
On 15 October, Equinor and partners ExxonMobil Brasil, Petrogal Brasil, and Pré-sal Petróleo SA commenced production at the Bacalhau field in Brazil. The field boasts recoverable reserves exceeding 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe), making it Equinor's largest international offshore development.
Location and Technology
Bacalhau is situated in the pre-salt region of Brazil's Santos Basin, in ultra-deep waters over 2,000 meters. It features a state-of-the-art Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO), measuring 370 meters in length and 64 meters in width, with a production capacity of 220,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd).
Development Phases
The first phase of development includes 19 wells, both producers and injectors, which will be activated sequentially to ramp up and sustain production. Equinor plans to provide an update in 2026 during this ramp-up phase.
Environmental Impact
The Bacalhau FPSO incorporates combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGT) to significantly reduce carbon intensity. The expected CO₂ intensity is around 9 kg per boe, setting a new standard for cost-efficient and lower-emission deepwater production.
Economic Impact
Bacalhau is projected to create approximately 50,000 jobs over its 30-year lifespan, contributing positively to Brazil's economy. MODEC, the FPSO contractor, will operate the unit initially, with Equinor taking over until the end of the license period.
Source: Equinor