Operational evaluation of the equipment for drilling in the equatorial margin is the last step for issuing the Environmental License
It informed it on Thursday (12.jun.2025) that the probe NS-42, which will be used to drill a well in the Foz do Amazonas basin, will arrive in Amapá on June 29. The communication was sent by the state to the (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) on the same day. The equipment will depart on Saturday (14.jun.2025) towards the equatorial margin.
When the spacecraft arrives in Amapá, Petrobras will hold the equipment (pre-operational evaluation) of the equipment. The procedure represents the final stage before the decision on the issuance of the Environmental License by Ibama.
APO consists of a drilling simulation that will allow the environmental agency to analyze the state’s responses to possible emergencies, such as oil leaks in the region. The probe, also known as ODN 2, belongs to the company.
The vessel has already left Guanabara Bay in Rio, where he underwent cleaning the hull. Currently, it is in Cabo Frio (RJ) for loading materials necessary for the operation.
The state -owned company also reported that on June 16 will start the 2nd cycle of the sea turtle spawning project. This activity integrates the environmental plan related to well drilling in the block.
Ibama has not yet confirmed the issuance of the environmental license to the project. Authorization will depend on the results of the pre-operational evaluation that will be carried out when the probe reaches the designated site.
MPF triggers justice
The MPF (Federal Prosecutor) filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court of Pará on Thursday (12.Jun) to suspend the auction of 47 blocks for oil exploration in the Foz do Amazonas Basin.
The ANP (National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels) is scheduled for next Tuesday (17.Jun).
The MPF requests that the court only authorize the auction after the fulfillment of 4 requirements. They are:
- climate impact study;
- Environmental evaluation of sedimentary area;
- Survey on traditional peoples and communities;
- Consultation prior to groups that may be affected.
The action of the agency argued that exploring oil in the region goes against the climate emergency and the commitments signed by Brazil, such as the Paris Agreement. Said that promoting auction without considering climatic impacts is something “Scientifically unsustainable, legally indefensible and morally unjustifiable”.
“The area is home to a huge amount of traditional communities and peoples, whose survival and way of life are directly linked to coastal ecosystems.”said the MPF.
