Equinor, together with partners ExxonMobil Brasil, Petrogal Brasil (JV Galp|Sinopec), and Pré-sal Petróleo SA (PPSA), has commenced production at the large Bacalhau field in Brazil. With recoverable reserves exceeding 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe), Bacalhau is the largest international offshore field developed by Equinor.
Located in the pre-salt region of Brazil’s Santos Basin in ultra-deep water exceeding 2,000 metres, Bacalhau features one of the world’s most advanced Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSO), measuring 370 metres long and 64 metres wide, with a production capacity of 220,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd).
Phase 1 development comprises 19 wells, including producers and injectors, which will be brought online sequentially during the ramp-up phase. Equinor plans to provide a production update in 2026.
The field is designed for lower emissions, with an expected CO₂ intensity of approximately 9 kg per boe and advanced abatement measures across flaring, processing, power generation, and storage. MODEC, the FPSO contractor, will operate the unit initially, after which Equinor will operate the Bacalhau facilities for the remainder of the license period.