For this purpose, the consortium is using the Pioneiro de Libra floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit, which has an operational capacity rate up to 50,000 barrels of oil and 4 million cubic meters of associated gas per day.
Petrobras holds a stake of 40% in the Libra field, while Shell and Total have 20% stake each. CNPC and CNOOC also hold 10% stake each.
The Pioneiro de Libra FPSO, which is currently, located around 180km off the Rio de Janeiro coast, is dedicated to Extended Well Tests and Early Production Systems and also possesses a gas reinjection capability.
The FPSO is owned 50/50 by Odebrecht Oil and Gas (OOG) and Teekay Offshore Partners through a joint venture.
Total says that the launch of the early production system will create revenue and also allow technical data to be gathered to streamline the subsequent development phases.
The production test carried by Pioneiro de Libra is expected to last a year in which the partners will assess the dynamic behavior of the oil reservoir while expanding the knowledge on the nature of the deposit.
Shell Upstream director Andy Brown said: “It's a positive step to begin this early production test at Libra, as the dynamic data will be valuable to optimize the consortium's future development plans and maximize the value we can create from this prolific field.
"We continue to focus our deep-water expertise to both support Petrobras in our Joint Venture operations as well as building our own operated portfolio and delivery in Brazil."
After completing the first test, the FPSO will be moved to operate Early Production Systems in other Libra wells, stated Petrobras.
This will be to gain more knowledge of the reservoir and support the development and streamlining of all future production units to be installed in the region.
Petrobras stated: “Until now, 12 wells were drilled in Libra block. Because of its extension, high production potential, good quality of its oil and high commercial value, Libra opens a new business opportunity to the offshore industry.”
Image: The Pioneiro de Libra FPSO owned by Odebrecht and Teekay. Photo: courtesy of Odebrecht Oil and Gas.
