On this Wednesday (1/5), the Tupi field, located in the Santos Basin pre-salt, celebrates 15 years of operation, boasting an accumulated production of 2.6 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) and currently operating with seven units. As the inaugural pre-salt field to commence operations in May 2009, Tupi stands as Brazil's largest national production field, yielding an average volume of 850 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed), contributing to 20% of the country's total production.

With its production volume, Tupi would rank 20th globally in oil production, surpassing countries like Colombia, Venezuela, the United Kingdom, and Argentina, according to a 2023 survey by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). These notable outcomes bring tangible benefits to society. In 2023 alone, Tupi contributed approximately R$37 billion in taxes and government revenue. This sum represents about 15% of Petrobras' total disbursements last year, which amounted to R$240 billion.

"Precisely 15 years ago, our journey in the pre-salt began in the Tupi field, now the largest production hub in the offshore industry. Since then, we've pioneered a series of transformative technologies and continuously set new records, solidifying our global leadership in ultra-deep waters. Tupi epitomizes a Brazil that excels, symbolizing an accomplishment not just for Petrobras, but for the entire nation," remarked Petrobras President, Jean Paul Prates.

Unprecedented challenges within the industry

Tupi unveiled a new exploratory model previously unheard of in the world. This has spurred the advancement of numerous groundbreaking technologies, resulting in a distinctive legacy of innovations for the global industry. Collaborating with its suppliers, Petrobras successfully navigated through a series of unprecedented challenges. The Tupi reservoir lies at a total depth of up to 7,000 meters, comprising 3,000 meters of rock, 2,000 meters of salt, and an additional 2,000 meters of water depth.

" Fifteen years after the first oil extraction, Tupi's accomplishments stand as confirmation of our progress in the right direction. This success is a testament to the expertise and resilience of our technical team. Rather than daunting us, the challenges have spurred us on, leaving behind a legacy for the offshore industry. The accomplishments we celebrate today fill us with pride and signal a promising future," Prates remarked.

Petrobras operates Tupi, partnering with Shell Brasil Petróleo Ltda and Petrogal Brasil SA.

The Tupi oil field, previously known as the Lula oil field, is a vast reserve situated in the Santos Basin, approximately 250 kilometers (160 miles) off the shore of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Discovered by Petrobras in October 2006, it was famously hailed as Brazil's second independence by former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Initially named Tupi, the field was later renamed Lula in 2010.