Petrobras FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão: Boosting Mero Field Production in Brazil’s Pre-Salt

The Petrobras FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão is the latest addition to Brazil’s ambitious offshore oil and gas development strategy in the pre-salt Santos Basin. This floating production, storage and offloading unit (FPSO), leased by Petrobras in partnership with SBM Offshore, sailed from China on December 16 and is expected to start operations in mid-2025 at the Mero field.

With the capacity to produce 180,000 barrels of oil per day and compress 12 million cubic meters of natural gas daily, the FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão will increase Mero’s current production by around 31%, raising the field’s overall output to 770,000 barrels per day.

The Role of FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão in the Mero Field

The Mero field lies in ultra-deep waters of the Santos Basin, about 180 kilometers offshore from Rio de Janeiro, at depths reaching 2,100 meters. It is one of the most promising pre-salt oil regions in the world, already home to four operating FPSOs: Pioneiro de Libra, Guanabara, Sepetiba, and Marechal Duque de Caxias. Once installed, the Petrobras FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão will be the fifth unit in this prolific field.

The field is developed under the Libra Production Sharing Agreement, with Petrobras holding a 38.6% operator stake alongside partners Shell Brasil (19.3%), TotalEnergies (19.3%), CNOOC (9.65%), CNPC (9.65%), and PPSA (3.5%, representing Brazil’s Union interests).

Innovation Through HISEP® Technology

One of the standout features of the Petrobras FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão is its readiness to incorporate HISEP® technology, an innovative solution patented by Petrobras. HISEP® allows subsea separation of oil and CO₂-rich gas, with the gas reinjected directly into the reservoir. This process improves energy efficiency and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional systems.

By implementing HISEP®, Petrobras is demonstrating leadership in sustainable offshore operations, addressing environmental concerns while maintaining high production levels.

Strategic Importance for Petrobras and Brazil

According to Petrobras executives, the FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão underscores Brazil’s growing offshore capabilities. Sylvia Couto dos Anjos, E&P Director, highlighted that Petrobras has consistently delivered one large FPSO per year at Mero since 2022, showcasing the company’s ability to execute large-scale projects. Similarly, Renata Baruzzi, Director of Engineering, Technology, and Innovation, emphasized that while Mero poses technical challenges, it also represents one of the most promising offshore opportunities worldwide.

The unit’s deployment reflects Petrobras’ strategy to consolidate its leadership in deepwater production and strengthen Brazil’s role in the global oil market.

For a broader view of Petrobras’ offshore portfolio, explore our Complete Guide to Petrobras FPSO Projects, which includes past, present, and future developments.

You can also learn more from Petrobras’ official website and SBM Offshore’s FPSO leasing updates. For insights into international partnerships, visit TotalEnergies’ Brazil operations page.

The Petrobras FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão is more than just another production unit; it is a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and Brazil’s determination to lead in offshore oil development. By boosting output at the Mero field and applying cutting-edge HISEP® technology, Petrobras is shaping the future of deepwater oil and gas while balancing production goals with environmental responsibility.

This project cements Brazil’s pre-salt as one of the most dynamic regions in the global energy landscape, and the FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão is set to play a pivotal role in its next chapter.

By Sigurd Thorvaldsen, Director of Production Services, Tigranix Ventures Pte. Ltd.
Contact: Sigurd.Thorvaldsen@tigranix.com