Chevron says oil seep has decreased offshore Brazil

Nov. 16, 2011
Chevron Corp. reported that successful well-control operations significantly reduced an oil seep believed to be coming from an appraisal well in Frade field offshore Brazil.

Chevron Corp. reported that successful well-control operations significantly reduced an oil seep believed to be coming from an appraisal well in Frade field offshore Brazil.

Upon receiving approval from the Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum (ANP) on Nov. 13, Chevron Brazil immediately commenced plugging and abandonment activities.

“The amount of oil observed coming from nearby seep lines on the ocean floor has decreased significantly,” Chevron said, adding that it continues to monitor activities that will culminate in final cementing of the well.

Chevron estimates the sheen volume at 400-650 bbl. Six vessels are working in pairs to contain and recover the oil while two vessels are working on mechanical dispersion.

The sheen is 120 km offshore and moving southeasterly away from the Brazilian coast. The Frade project is in 3,800 ft of water some 370 km northeast of Rio de Janeiro.

Chevron, which has 51.74% interest, started production at Frade field in 2009 (OGJ Online, June 23, 2009).

Partners in the field are Petroleo Brasileiro SA 30%, and Frade Japao Petroleo Ltda., a joint venture of Inpex Corp., Sojitz Corp., and Japan Oil, Gas & Metals Corp. 18.26%.