Record level of offshore oil and gas accidents reported in Brazil

A record number of offshore oil and gas exploration accidents were reported in Brazil in 2024, according to data from the country’s oil and gas regulatory body.

The National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), regulating body for the activities within the oil, natural gas and biofuels industries in Brazil, reported 731 accidents in offshore oil and gas exploration, or an average of two accidents per day in 2024. Local daily newspaper, Folha de S.Paulo, reported this was an increase over 2023 – the previous record high – when 718 accidents were reported.

Almost 53% of the incidents occurred during production installation (384), followed by installation of drilling rigs (134), offshore support vessel activity (91), issues with well exploration (91), installation of subsea systems (23) and other cases of undetermined origin (8).

ANP said the record number of accidents in 2024 was “a consequence of increased activity in the country, with the entry of several production units as well as the strong resumption of exploration and drilling of new wells,” reported Folha de S.Paulo.

On 24 September 2024, Petrobras offshore platform P-19 in the Campos Basin experienced an accidental tilt during a stability manoeuvre, leading to an evacuation of personnel. No injuries or environmental damage resulted from the incident, and Petrobras reported the situation was “quickly normalised.” First commissioned in 1994, the semi-submersible was undergoing decommissioning in preparation for its retirement.

Enhancing offshore safety will be critical to the Brazilian state-owned energy company’s ambitious plans to exploit the country’s pre-salt resources. Petrobras plans a total investment of US$77.3Bn during the five-year period, 2025-29, with about 60% of the E&P allocated to pre-salt assets.