China National Offshore Oil Corporation Limited (CNOOC Limited) has announced the start of production at the Buzios6 project, located in the Santos Basin off the southeast coast of Brazil. It is the seventh development brought online at the Buzios oilfield, considered the world’s largest deepwater pre-salt field.
Developed using a floating production, storage and offloading unit (FPSO), Buzios6 includes a subsea production system connected to thirteen development wells, comprising six producers and seven injectors. With this commissioning, the installed production capacity of the oilfield now reaches 1.15 million barrels of oil per day.
Infrastructure designed for high volumes
The FPSO used for Buzios6 is built to handle 180,000 barrels of crude oil per day and 7.2 million cubic metres of natural gas per day. It also features a storage capacity of 2 million barrels. While designed to maximise throughput, the unit is also equipped with energy efficiency features such as heat recovery systems.
Closed flare systems have been installed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These systems prevent open-air burning of associated gases, helping to limit energy losses during production.
Breakdown of project ownership
CNOOC Petroleum Brasil Ltda., a wholly owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds a 7.34% interest in the Buzios Shared Reservoir. Brazilian state-controlled company Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) is the operator with an 88.99% stake. CNODC Brasil Petróleo e Gás Ltda., affiliated with China National Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Corporation, holds the remaining 3.67%.
The launch of production at Buzios6 comes as Chinese investment in strategic offshore assets in South America continues to expand. The Buzios oilfield remains a priority for the participating operators, given its projected profitability and long-term production potential.
