Chambriard demands approval from Ibama for exploration in the Equatorial Margin: "We even have a partnership with NASA"
The president of Petrobras states that he has "never seen such an effort to obtain an environmental license" and that "there is nothing more to ask for."
247 - The president of Petrobras, Magda Chambriard, demanded swift action in issuing environmental licenses for exploration in the Amazon River Mouth Basin, on the Equatorial Margin, during a conference with investors. According to a report by The GlobeThe president of the state-owned company highlighted the technological advancements and investments in environmental safety that made drilling a well off the coast of Amapá possible, stating that all of IBAMA's (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) demands were fully met. Chambriard questioned the delay in the environmental agency's approval, emphasizing that Petrobras is ready to begin operations.
“We believe that what we are offering to Ibama is resolved. There is nothing more to ask for. I have been in this industry for over 45 years and I have never seen this level of effort,” she declared. The president also highlighted Petrobras' partnership with NASA and the use of modern equipment and methods to ensure the safety of the operation.
Chambriard explained that the distance between the planned well and the mouth of the Amazon River is over 500 kilometers, twice the distance between the pre-salt layer and Copacabana beach. She reinforced the need for more investment in the region, with more than 30 wells planned for the coast of Amapá and Rio Grande do Norte in the next five years.
“One well alone is not enough. We have several wells planned for the entire Equatorial Margin, with more than 30 wells planned for the coast of Amapá and Rio Grande do Norte in the next five years,” he stated.
Sylvia dos Anjos, Petrobras' Exploration and Production Director, emphasized that the region's oil potential can only be confirmed after the planned wells are drilled.
“There are plans for eight wells in the Amazon River Mouth Basin. There is no conflict between carrying out exploration and protecting the environment. This drilling will not impact the environment and will guarantee more lasting energy security,” said Anjos.
Awaiting approval from Ibama.
Clarice Coppeti, Director of Corporate Affairs at Petrobras, reported that the company is awaiting Ibama's final decision regarding the wildlife rehabilitation center and base in Belém before beginning operations.
“We are awaiting Ibama’s position regarding the wildlife center and the base in Belém. As soon as there is a signal regarding these projects, we can move on to the pre-operational evaluation. The NS42 drilling rig, which is prepared to carry out this drilling, is the most suitable for this region. We are waiting for this authorization to clean the rig, which is currently in the Southeast,” concluded Coppeti.
Petrobras continues its dialogue with Ibama, seeking to align technological advancements and the necessary environmental safeguards for exploration in the Equatorial Margin, while awaiting final approval to begin operations in the region.
