Chevron Corp. subsidiary Chevron Brasil Upstream Frade Ltda. has requested authorization from Brazil’s National Petroleum Agency (ANP) for a temporary suspension of field production operations at Frade field offshore Brazil as a precautionary measure because Chevron found a small new seep.
The company plans a comprehensive technical study and also a complementary study to better understand the area’s geological features, saying it is working with its partners and ANP.
Frade field currently produces 60,000 b/d of oil. Following a December order from ANP, Chevron suspended water reinjection in four wells in the field.
Last year, Chevron reported well-control operations significantly reduced an oil seep believed to be coming from an appraisal well (OGJ, Nov. 21, 2011, Newsletter).
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%.
