The country's offshore crude oil production, primarily from the Santos and Campos Basins, contributes a significant percentage to its overall output. Statistics collated by Westwood Global Energy Group indicate that, up to early 2025, Brazil operated 39 active offshore installations, which is a huge improvement from 20 to 30 rigs previously. This growth illustrates an effort of leading companies in the industry, naming Petrobras, Brava Energia, Shell, and Equinor, to expand exploration and production activities further, using drillships and intervention ships that are key to tapping the deepwater reservoirs (read more about the FPSO industry).
The 2006 discovery of the pre-salt layer was a turning point for Brazil's offshore industry. These fields, located approximately 180 kilometres off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, hold some of the largest untapped hydrocarbon resources in the world. Offshore installations, such as FPSO vessels, have played an important role in the successful processing and extraction of such resources. FPSO Atlanta, operated by Brava Energia, is a good example, which came on stream in the Santos Basin in December 2024. This was a development, the first deepwater system of its kind by an independent oil and gas player in Brazil. These achievements indicate the nation's technological competence and economic strength in its offshore platforms. (1)
In June 2024, Brazil's oil production reached 3.409 million barrels per day (bbl/d), reflecting a 2.7% rise compared to the prior month, as reported by the Agência Nacional do Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis (ANP). This result not only satisfies domestic energy needs but also generates substantial export revenues. Countries in Asia, Europe, and North America rely on Brazilian crude, making offshore installations a great link in the global supply chain. The revenue from these exports bolsters Brazil's foreign exchange reserves, providing a buffer against economic volatility and funding public investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Moreover, the capital-intensive nature of offshore projects stimulates economic activity across multiple sectors. The construction, maintenance, and operation of rigs and FPSOs require substantial investments, often in the billions of dollars. For example, Petrobras' FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão, deployed in the Mero field, represents a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar commitment that supports energy production and also ancillary industries such as shipbuilding and engineering. These investments ripple through the economy, creating demand for goods and services and driving growth in Brazil's industrial base. (2)
Offshore installations create employment and generate income for other jobs. A skilled workforce is needed to run the rigs, FPSOs, and support vessels: engineers, geologists, technicians, maritime personnel, etc. It has been estimated that the offshore oil and gas industry employs directly tens of thousands of people and hundreds of thousands more in supply chains and related activities. The 39 offshore rigs reported by Westwood in early 2025, that, each need crews of 100 to 200 workers, based on the rig type and operational needs. This leads to thousands of high-paying jobs that inject money into the local economies, especially in the coastal states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. For example, Allseas, a Swiss-based marine construction company, has a contract for the Buzios-10 pre-salt field and has committed to at least 40% local labour content. This pledge is predicted to create 2,000 jobs and therefore benefit directly Brazilian workers and their families.
Offshore installations also reinvest in the workforce to create demand for offshore installations, which need specialized training and education. Petrobras and international operators like Equinor spend a lot on technical training centers, to make sure Brazilian workers are fit to man the equipment. This emphasis on workforce development increases the capacity of the Brazilian industry and reduces the country's dependence on foreign expertise. Slowly, the experience gained through offshore projects can be used in other industries, such as energy or manufacturing, thus increasing the lasting value of economic development.
This has necessitated advanced engineering solutions due to the complexity of offshore installations in Brazil. Developing technologies such as subsea production systems, corrosion-resistant materials and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), to mention a few, Brazilian companies and research institutions have risen to the challenge of extracting resources from ultra-deepwater environments, which are often beyond 2,000 meters. These innovations not only enhance the efficiency of offshore operations but also establish Brazil as a leading country in deep water technology, and with the potential to export such solutions to other markets across the world.
Offshore installations' supply chain also drives industrial growth. Local firms manufacture components like pipelines, valves, and drilling equipment thus reducing import dependency and enhancing Brazil's industrial base. For instance, the subsea infrastructure of the FPSO Marechal Duque de Caxias which has 80km of rigid pipelines and 47km of flexible service lines is mainly supplied by Brazilian suppliers. Thus, localization of production improves economic self-sufficiency and provides the offshore economy with an opportunity to involve small and medium enterprises (read also about the FLNG vessel type)
Brazil's domestic production of oil and gas reduces its vulnerability to international price shocks and supply disruptions. That self-sufficiency paid off during global crises, including the energy shortages seen in Europe in the early 2020s. A continuous flow of energy is essential for industrial production, affordable transport, and stable prices that will not erode consumer purchasing power. The revenue generated from offshore production provides Brazil with fiscal stability. Royalties and taxes from these resources help pay for public services and infrastructure projects, strengthening the economy's resilience overall. The Brazilian government received billions of reais in royalties from offshore fields in 2024, and that number is projected to increase as production ramps up in fields.
The economics speak for themselves — however, the environmental and regulatory challenges presented by the energy transition of offshore installations must also be factored in to ensure continued positive growth. Offshore drilling and production pose dangers like oil spills, which can cripple marine ecosystems and coastal economies. As a result, Brazilian regulators tightened their grip in response, leading to a crackdown on drilling operations in early 2025. At least three drillships were halted as a result of delays in obtaining licensing, as well as safety concerns, signalling a commitment to balancing economic development with environmental conservation.
However, these very temporary regulations have served to slow down the development of offshore activities for international firms such as Petrobras and Equinor, which seem to impact their exploration timelines and production targets. While those actions prompted by the compromising conditions may stall development in the short run, it is evident that they also stimulate innovations into safer and more sustainable technologies that Brazil's offshore industry is compliant with the International Environmental Governance (IEG).
Brazil's offshore installations extend beyond oil and gas into renewable energy. The Offshore Wind Bill was approved in December 2024, paving the way for making full use of the vast wind potential Brazil possesses. Over 230 gigawatts of proposed offshore wind projects are already in the licensing pipeline; Brazil is set to become a world leader in this nascent sector. Offshore wind installations will give rise to new economic opportunities, from turbine manufacturing to building support infrastructure, and lessen dependence on fossil fuels. This diversification to mitigate risks related to oil price volatility bolsters Brazil's economic resilience and complies with global trends in decarbonization that pull investments from international firms eager to be part of Brazil's green transition. Additionally, the complementarity between offshore oil and wind will utilize similar skills and infrastructure, thereby increasing economic benefits and establishing Brazil as a multifaceted energy hub.
The offshore installations are increasing Brazil's competitiveness on the global stage and reinforcing its position as a key player in the energy market. The ability of Brazil to supply what is arguably the highest-quality crude coming from offshore fields gives it trade relations with the biggest economies, namely China and the United States. Brazil's advancement in deepwater technology and offshore wind development also enhances its prestige in international energy forums, where it lends its voice to policies that benefit resource-rich states. From a purely strategic standpoint, offshore installations offer Brazilian geopolitical leverage. The power derived from ownership of a particular large energetic resource increases its bargaining power in negotiations from the regional level to the very highest level in international relations-as is the case in the South American regional context. Brazil's early investments in offshore wind and existing infrastructure provide it with a competitive edge, particularly as its neighbours, like Colombia, begin to explore options for such technology.
How do offshore installations support Brazil's economy?
Offshore installations are a cornerstone of Brazil's economy, driving energy production, job creation, and export revenues. In June 2024, Brazil's oil production hit 3.409 million barrels per day, a 2.7% increase from the previous month, according to the Agência Nacional do Petróleo (ANP). This output, largely from offshore fields like the Santos and Campos Basins, meets domestic energy needs while fueling exports to Asia, Europe, and North America. The revenue strengthens Brazil's foreign exchange reserves, funding infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Additionally, multi-billion-dollar projects, such as Petrobras' FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão, stimulate industries like shipbuilding and engineering, creating a ripple effect of economic growth across multiple sectors.
Why are offshore installations critical to Brazil's energy sector?
Offshore installations are the backbone of Brazil's energy sector, tapping into vast deepwater resources like the pre-salt basins discovered in 2006. By early 2025, Brazil operated 39 active offshore rigs, up from 20-30 previously, as reported by Westwood Global Energy Group. These rigs, including FPSOs like the FPSO Atlanta, operated by Brava Energia since December 2024, enable Brazil to extract and process hydrocarbons from challenging ultra-deepwater environments. This capability has positioned Brazil as a global energy leader, ensuring energy security and reducing reliance on imports. The sector's growth, driven by companies like Petrobras and Equinor, also fosters technological innovation, enhancing Brazil's competitiveness in the international energy market.
The offshore installations of Brazil are an absolute necessity for the country's industry and economy, as they ensure energy production, employment creation, and technological advancement while simultaneously enabling the nation to keep its place in the global market. The 39 rigs and vessels that Westwood has reported in 2025 show a thriving sector supporting millions of jobs and billions of dollars of revenue. Despite the environmental and regulatory challenges, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, from economic stability to industrial innovation. Moving into offshore wind and optimizing oil and gas operations, the installations shall remain the linchpin for Brazil's economic future, which can foster sustainable growth and global influence.
Delve deeper into one of our core topics: Personnel on board
The National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) - established in 1997 by Law No. 9,478, regulates the petroleum, natural gas, and biofuels industries in Brazil. Linked to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, it began operations on January 14, 1998, as a federal autarchy responsible for implementing national policy in the sector. The ANP sets rules through ordinances and resolutions, promotes bidding rounds, and signs contracts with concessionaires for the exploration, production, and transportation of oil and gas while also ensuring compliance with regulations, either directly or through agreements. It is managed by a collegiate board, consisting of a director-general and four directors with non-concurrent four-year terms. (3)
Sources:
(1) https://allseas.com/news/allseas-expands-in-brazil-with-buzios-10/
(2) https://www.riotimesonline.com/brazils-oil-and-gas-production-sees-significant-growth-in-june-2024/
(3) https://www.gov.br/anp/pt-br