Petrobras Halts Offshore Drilling in the Amazon Region Following Fluid Leakage

Petrobras Suspends Drilling in Foz do Amazonas Basin After Fluid Leak

Petrobras, Brazil’s state-owned oil company, has paused drilling activities in the ecologically sensitive Foz do Amazonas Basin following a spill involving synthetic drilling fluid, the company announced on Tuesday.

The incident occurred on Sunday, when Petrobras detected a leak in two auxiliary lines that connect its offshore drilling platform to a well off the coast of Amapá state in northern Brazil. According to an internal report reviewed by Reuters, approximately 15,000 liters (15 cubic meters) of synthetic drilling fluid escaped during the early morning hours.

In an official statement, Petrobras assured that the leak was swiftly contained and isolated. The company also noted that the affected lines will be retrieved for inspection and repairs, though it did not specify when drilling operations might resume.

Brazil’s environmental agency, Ibama, confirmed it had been informed of the event and is actively overseeing the situation. Petrobras emphasized that the spilled fluid is biodegradable, posing no risk to people, the environment, or operational safety.

Significance of the Foz do Amazonas Basin

The Foz do Amazonas Basin is regarded as Petrobras’ most promising new oil exploration area. Its geology is similar to that of neighboring Guyana, where ExxonMobil has made several significant offshore finds. Petrobras spent years seeking regulatory approval to drill in this region, ultimately receiving a license from Ibama after persistent lobbying by local leaders and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Despite these efforts, environmental organizations and Indigenous groups have voiced strong opposition to drilling in the basin. They warn that any spill could have devastating effects on Amapá’s coastline, which is home to extensive protected mangroves and fishing communities.

Potential Delays and Project Scope

Reporting by CNN Brasil suggests that the leak could set back drilling operations by 10 to 15 days. Drilling at the site began in October and was projected to take about five months. This well is the first of seven that Petrobras intends to drill in the basin.