Total sanctions first-phase FPSO for Libra offshore Brazil

Total has committed to invest in the first large-scale development phase of the deepwater Libra project in the presalt Santos basin, 180 kilometres (112 miles) offshore Rio de Janeiro.

The Petrobras-led consortium will commission an FPSO with a production capacity of 150,000 b/d of oil from 17 wells, located on the north-west part of the block.

Arnaud Breuillac, President Exploration & Production of Total, said: “The decision to launch the large-scale development of the Libra field is a major step. We have worked with Petrobras and our partners to secure technical costs below US$20/bbl.

First oil began flowing from the Libra field early production system last month via start-up of the Pioneiro de Libra, a 50,000-b/d FPSO early production system.

This programme is designed to appraise the field further and to generate early revenue.

For the next development phase, the new Mero 1 FPSO should come on-stream in 2021.

Over subsequent years at least three more FPSOs will be added to fully exploit the potential of the field, Total added, with production eventually topping 600,000 b/d.