SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 04, 2024-Shell Brasil's Mero-3 FPSO commences production, boosting Brazil's deep-water oil output
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Shell Brasil Petróleo Ltda. (Shell Brasil), a subsidiary of Shell plc, today announced the start of production at the floating production storage and offloading facility (FPSO) Marechal Duque de Caxias in the Mero field, located in the pre-salt area of the Santos Basin, offshore Brazil.
The FPSO, also known as Mero-3, has an operational capacity of 180,000 barrels of oil per day, significantly contributing to Brazil's energy production. This milestone follows the successful commencement of production at the FPSO Sepetiba (Mero-2) in December 2023 and the FPSO Guanabara (Mero-1) in May 2022.
"Mero-3 demonstrates our commitment to increasingly efficient and competitive projects," said Zoë Yujnovich, Shell's Integrated Gas and Upstream Director. "Brazil is a material contributor to Shell's deep-water oil and gas production, and through our ongoing partnership with Petrobras in the Mero field, we can help continue to deliver safe and secure energy from one of the country's most productive fields."
The Marechal Duque de Caxias FPSO is located 200 kilometers off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, operating in a water depth of 2,200 meters. This strategic location enables efficient extraction and transportation of oil from the prolific Mero field.
The Libra Consortium, responsible for the development of the Mero field, comprises several key players in the energy sector. Alongside Shell Brasil, which holds a 19.3% stake, the consortium includes Petrobras (operator, with a 40% stake), TotalEnergies (21%), CNPC (9.65%), CNOOC (9.65%), and PPSA (3.5%), representing the Brazilian government in the non-contracted area.
The successful start of production at Mero-3 underscores the consortium's commitment to leveraging advanced technology and operational expertise to maximize production from the pre-salt fields. The FPSO is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for oil processing, storage, and offloading, ensuring efficient and safe operations.
The Mero field is a key component of Brazil's pre-salt oil production, contributing significantly to the country's energy security and economic growth. The Libra Consortium's ongoing investments in the development of the Mero field demonstrate confidence in Brazil's long-term potential as a major oil producer.
About Shell Brasil
Shell Brasil Petróleo Ltda. is a subsidiary of Shell plc, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies. Shell has been operating in Brazil for over a century, playing a vital role in the country's energy sector. The company is committed to responsible and sustainable operations, contributing to Brazil's economic and social development.
About the Libra Consortium
The Libra Consortium is a group of companies formed to develop the Libra pre-salt oil field in the Santos Basin, offshore Brazil. The consortium comprises Petrobras (operator), Shell Brasil, TotalEnergies, CNPC, CNOOC, and PPSA.