Chevron asks Brazil oil regulator to suspend Frade operations
Chevron Corp. subsidiary Chevron Brasil Upstream Frade Ltda. has requested authorization from Brazil’s National Petroleum Agency (ANP) for a temporary suspension of field production operations at Frade field offshore Brazil as a precautionary measure because Chevron found a small new seep.
The company plans a comprehensive technical study and also a complementary study to better understand the area’s geological features, saying it is working with its partners and ANP.
Frade field currently produces 60,000 b/d of oil. Following a December order from ANP, Chevron suspended water reinjection in four wells in the field.
Last year, Chevron reported well-control operations significantly reduced an oil seep believed to be coming from an appraisal well (OGJ, Nov. 21, 2011, Newsletter).
Chevron, which has 51.74% interest, started production at Frade field in 2009 (OGJ Online, June 23, 2009).
Partners in the field are Petroleo Brasileiro SA 30%, and Frade Japao Petroleo Ltda., a joint venture of Inpex Corp., Sojitz Corp., and Japan Oil, Gas & Metals Corp. 18.26%.
Paula Dittrick | Senior Staff Writer
Paula Dittrick has covered oil and gas from Houston for more than 20 years. Starting in May 2007, she developed a health, safety, and environment beat for Oil & Gas Journal. Dittrick is familiar with the industry’s financial aspects. She also monitors issues associated with carbon sequestration and renewable energy.
Dittrick joined OGJ in February 2001. Previously, she worked for Dow Jones and United Press International. She began writing about oil and gas as UPI’s West Texas bureau chief during the 1980s. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska in 1974.
