Mero

Location and Geology

The Mero oil field is an ultra-deepwater oil field located approximately 180 kilometers offshore Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the pre-salt area of the Santos Basin within the Libra block.

Ownership and Consortium

The Mero field is operated by a consortium led by Petrobras, which holds a 38.6% stake. Other partners include TotalEnergies (19.3%), Shell Brasil (19.3%), CNPC (9.65%), CNOOC (9.65%), and Pré-Sal Petróleo S.A (PPSA) with a 3.5% stake.

Development Phases

The Mero oil field is being developed in four phases, each involving the deployment of a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit.

Mero-1

• The first phase, Mero-1, involves the FPSO Guanabara MV31, operated by MODEC. It started production in April 2022 and includes 17 interconnected wells (six producing wells and seven injectors). The FPSO has a water injection capacity of 225,000 barrels per day and a storage capacity of 1.4 million barrels of crude oil. It is deployed at a water depth of 1,930 meters and features a gas reinjection system to maintain pressure and enhance oil recovery.

Mero-2

• The second phase, Mero-2, began production in January 2024 through the FPSO Sepetiba. This FPSO has a production capacity of 180,000 barrels of oil per day (b/d), a water injection capacity of 250,000 b/d, and a storage capacity of 1.4 million barrels of crude oil. It is designed for zero routine flaring, with associated gas reinjected into the reservoir. The FPSO is spread moored at a water depth of 2,000 meters.

Mero-3

• The third phase, Mero-3, is expected to start production in 2024 through the FPSO Marechal Duque de Caxias. This FPSO will be located at a water depth of 2,200 meters and will be connected to 15 wells (eight oil producers and seven water and gas injectors). It will also serve as a platform for a pilot program to test Petrobras’ high-pressure separation technology (HISEP).

Mero-4

• The fourth phase, Mero-4, is anticipated to start production in 2025 through the FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão. This FPSO will be deployed 160 kilometers off Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro, and will be connected to 15 wells (eight oil-producing wells, six water and gas injectors, and a convertible well).

Production Capacity

• With the start of Mero-2, the total production capacity of the Mero field has reached 410,000 b/d. Once all four phases are fully operational, the field is expected to produce over 600,000 b/d, with TotalEnergies' share exceeding 100,000 b/d.

Technological and Environmental Aspects

• The project employs innovative technologies such as Petrobras’ HISEP (high-pressure separation) technology to segregate CO₂-rich gas from oil for reinjection into the seabed, enhancing oil production efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• The FPSOs are designed to minimize environmental impact, with features such as zero routine flaring and gas reinjection systems.

Economic and Strategic Significance

• The Mero field is estimated to hold 3-4 billion barrels of oil, making it a significant project with technical costs below $20 per barrel and a low breakeven point. This aligns with the consortium's strategy for low-cost and low-emission oil production.

Partners and Contractors

• Key contractors include MODEC for the Mero-1 FPSO, SBM Offshore for the Mero-2 FPSO under a 22.5-year lease and operate arrangement, and other partners involved in various aspects of the project such as TechnipFMC for the installation and pre-commissioning of subsea equipment.

The Mero oil field development is a major undertaking that leverages the excellent productivity of the field to deliver significant oil production while emphasizing low costs and environmental sustainability.