Equinor Lets Contracts for Raia Drilling Offshore Brazil
Norwegian energy company Equinor (35%, operator), on behalf of its partners Repsol Sinopec Brasil (35%) and Petrobras (30%), has won a drilling contract with Valaris, represented by Ensco UK Drilling Limited and Ensco do Brasil Petróleo e Gás LTDA, for the Raia project in Brazil.
Drilling at Raia is scheduled to begin in 2026, with production starting in 2028. A total of six wells will be drilled using the DS-17. The DS-17 is an ultra-deepwater drilling vessel capable of operating at depths of over 3,600 meters.
The total contract value is estimated at $498 million.
Raia is one of the most significant gas projects being developed in Brazil. Located in the pre-salt region of the Campos Basin, approximately 200 km offshore, at water depths of up to 2,900 m, Raia has recoverable reserves of natural gas, oil and condensate exceeding 1 billion boe.
Equinor, on behalf of its partners, has also entered into agreements with SLB, Baker Hughes and Halliburton for drilling and well servicing for the Raia project for a total of approximately $109 million. SLB will be the primary service provider, with Baker Hughes and Halliburton providing additional services.
Once operational, Raia, with a gas production rate of 16 million m3/d, will be able to meet up to 15% of Brazil’s total gas demand.
