CRITICAL ISSUES IN DRILLING & COMPLETIONS
Petrobras relying on innovation,
close supplier collaboration
to keep cost escalation in check
Safety and sustainability are also seen as
critical priorities as the NOC embraces new
well control, emissions reduction technologies
BY LINDA HSIEH, EDITOR & PUBLISHER
From your role at Petrobras, what do
you see as the biggest near-term
challenges for the drilling industry?
In the short term, we are faced with the
challenge of successfully executing our
entire planned well campaign, given the
significant number of projects that need
to be implemented in the upcoming years.
Looking ahead to the medium term, it is
crucial for us to ensure the economic feasi-
bility of these projects, taking into account
the escalating prices and the high demand
from the industry.
What impacts has Petrobras seen
from global inflation or supply chain
bottlenecks on its drilling campaigns?
The significant impacts are driven by
the escalating prices, resulting from the
limited availability of rigs in the market
and the overall supply chain constraints.
Consequently, we have been proactive-
ly addressing these challenges through
innovation, effective performance man-
agement, and close collaboration with our
suppliers, with a particular focus on stra-
tegic planning.
Where is Petrobras looking for cost
reductions? Innovation is key. We have several
examples to highlight, including opti-
mized open-hole well configurations, Drill
Through wellhead systems and new bit
technologies. These advancements are
part of our innovation portfolio, which
16 Carlos José do Nascimento Travassos,
Executive Officer for Engineering, Tech-
nology and Innovation, Petrobras
aims to increase reliability. This will result
in higher well productivity, as well as cost
and emissions reductions, while main-
taining or improving operational safety
and integrity.
Considering Petrobras did not get the
environmental license to drill in the
Brazilian Equatorial area, what are
Petrobras’ plans to get this authoriza-
tion? What challenges has Petrobras seen
with rig start-up operations in Brazil? Is
there closer collaboration with rig
contractors to ensure the startup pro-
cess is smooth?
The environmental licensing process
for the Equatorial Margin is proceeding
as expected, with the responsible authori-
ties posing relevant questions about our
operations and our team providing clear
responses to address them. This exchange
is a normal part of the process.
The good news is that we have suc-
cessfully obtained the environmental
license to initiate drilling activities in
the Potiguar Basin, which is also located
in the Equatorial Margin. The drilling
operations in the Potiguar Basin began in
December 2023. Additionally, we are con-
fident in our progress toward obtaining
the environmental license to drill wells
in other basins of the Equatorial Margin,
such as the one located in the Amapá
coast. Current startup processes have pre-
sented several challenges, such as lack
of trained personnel, supplier difficulties
– manpower and inventory – and under-
estimation of the challenges related to
heating up a cold-stacked rig. To overcome
this challenge, we are working closely
with drilling contractors from contract
signing through mobilization and up to the
campaign start, promoting the exchange of
lessons learned and careful planning.
Petrobras is starting up several rigs for
operation in 2024. What is being done
to make sure that, on the operator
side, you will be read y?
Immediately after the contract is signed,
a rig acceptance and start-up group is
formed. In this group, all relevant stake-
holders are brought together toward the
overall goal of having the unit operating
safely ASAP. During this phase, discus-
sions and actions related to equipment
preparation and readiness, inspections
and legal and regulatory requirements
take place.
What upgrades would you like to see
drilling contractors make on their drill-
ing rigs? What equipment or technol-
ogies would make your drilling opera-
tions easier or better?
It is common for companies to perform
market analysis, projections and prospec-
tive evaluations.
When it comes to technological aspects,
there is no doubt that measures to enhance
efficiency and safety must be consistent-
ly implemented. Notable advancements
JAN UARY/FEB RUARY 2024 • D R I LLI N G CO N T R ACTO R