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Bacalhau online: ExxonMobil begins first deepwater production in Brazil
Insight Out
21 Oct 2025

Bacalhau online: ExxonMobil begins first deepwater production in Brazil

ExxonMobil Brasil, together with its partners Equinor (operator), Petrogal Brasil, and PPSA, has commenced oil production at the Bacalhau field — marking ExxonMobil’s first upstream operation in Brazil and a significant milestone in its global deepwater portfolio.


A milestone achievement

“Bacalhau represents a major achievement for ExxonMobil,” said Dan Ammann, president of ExxonMobil Upstream Company. “This project marks our entry into upstream production in Brazil after more than 110 years of operations in the country. With estimated recoverable reserves of over 1 billion barrels and a production capacity of 220,000 barrels per day, Bacalhau stands as a world-class development and a strategic investment in our long-term growth.”


Pushing deepwater boundaries

Located about 185 kilometers off the Brazilian coast in water depths exceeding 2,000 meters, the Bacalhau field is developed using one of the most advanced floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels in the world. The facility features:


  1. High-pressure gas compression systems
  2. Combined cycle power generation
  3. A production capacity of 220,000 barrels of oil per day
What to Know
  1. Bacalhau is the first greenfield pre-salt development in Brazil operated by an international company.
  2. Phase 1 holds more than 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent in reserves.
  3. The discovery well was drilled in 2012, with Equinor assuming operatorship in 2016.
  4. Project partners include ExxonMobil Brasil (40%), Equinor (40%), and Petrogal Brasil (20%).
  5. PPSA serves as the Government PSA Manager.
  6. ExxonMobil Brasil will handle offloading and transportation of its crude share.
What’s Next
The start of production at Bacalhau marks a strategic milestone for Brazil, driving technological innovation and boosting the nation’s energy sector.

This offshore development opens a new chapter for the pre-salt region, reinforcing its role in economic growth and industrial advancement.

For ExxonMobil, Bacalhau strengthens its foothold in one of the world’s most prolific deepwater basins and lays the foundation for future expansion in Brazil’s frontier exploration areas.




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