Petrobras hands over Campos basin stake to PetroRio
Petrobras today signed with PetroRio S.A. (‘PetroRio’) the contracts for the sale of 20% of its stake in the concessions of Bijupirá and Salema fields, currently operated by Shell. The transaction amounts to US$ 25 million and is subject to adjustments that are common to this type of operation. These fields are located in the Campos Basin, between 480 and 850 meters depth. Daily production averages 22 thousand barrels of oil and 325 thousand m3 of associated gas. The oil extracted is light, between 28º to 31º API. As part of the Petrobras’ Divestment Plan, this operation is related to the portfolio optimization in the Exploration and Production area, and is in line with the 2015-2019 Business and Management Plan.
Rosneft Brasil to Acquire Controlling Stakes in Solimoes Project
Rosneft Brasil (Rosneft subsidiary) and HRT O&G (HRT subsidiary) received approval by the Brazilian National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANP) for the Rosneft Brasil transaction to acquire additional 6% in the Solimoes project. Under the agreement the completion of the purchase and transaction between HRTO&G and Rosneft Brasil shall occur up to 30 days after the regulatory approval. The transaction will lead to Rosneft Brasil to receiving 51% control and taking over the operatorship in the joint venture in the Solimoes basin. The parties will continue exploration activities with respect to Solimoes project. Moreover Rosneft will acquire four heli-transportable rigs from HRT O&G. The relevant transaction amounts to $96 mln.
Offshore Brazil: The Libra Field & Brazil’s Pre-Salt Policy
Brazil’s Libra pre-salt field, in Block SS-AUP1 in the Santos Basin, with estimated recoverable oil volumes of 8-12 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) and in place volumes of between 25-40 billion BOE, was the country’s first pre-salt field to be auctioned. The rules governing this historical auction have been shunned by important super-majors such as Exxon Mobil, Chevron and BP and also by major players such as the BG Group and Statoil. Many industry analysts were surprised that state-owned players from China, India and Malaysia dominated the list of companies that have agreed to the controversial terms imposed by the Brazilian government, through its National Petroleum Agency (ANP).
