Petrobras stated in a document to the president of Ibama, Rodrigo Agostinho, that the ODN II probe arrived at Guanabara Bay to start cleaning work, which involves process to obtain authorization from the environmental agency to future drilling at the mouth of Amazonas.
Petrobras has been looking for Ibama for years to hold the well, in ultra -probing waters of Amapá. The region where the exploratory block may contain “a new pre-salt”, according to government assessment, but there are resistance in authorization due to social and environmental issues.
“In this sense and following the steps for maritime drilling activity in the FZA-M-59 block, Foz do Amazonas Basin, we saw through this request a positive manifestation of Ibama until May 15th so that we can start the preparations,” said Petrobras General Manager Daniele Lomba, in a letter to Ibama on April 30.
Cleaning the probe, a basically manual work, is important to avoid, for example, contamination in Amapá Marine Fauna.
The document seen by Reuters does not clarify the reason for the specific period of May 15.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy even indicated that, if the environmental authorization for a simulated in the area did not come in April, the contract of the contracted probe would expire. Emergency and leakage simulation must precede an endorsement for exploratory activity.
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Petrobras also took the opportunity to reiterate request made in another letter, of April 7, 2025, referring to the inspection by IBAMA in the Oiapoque Fauna Stabilization Unit (AP), already licensed by the State Environmental Body and with operating license.
The unit is also important for Ibama’s environmental authorization process for work at Foz do Amazonas.
Sought, Ibama did not comment on the topic immediately.
