Ibama Requests Detailed Technical Report from Petrobras on Biodegradable Fluid Leak in Margem Equatorial Offshore Drilling

The Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) formally requested a comprehensive technical report from Petrobras following a fluid leakage incident at the FZA-M-59 block, located in the Margem Equatorial offshore region. The request, issued on the afternoon of January 7 by the Coordination-General of Environmental Licensing of Marine and Coastal Enterprises (CGMac), demands detailed qualitative and quantitative data on the biodegradable drilling fluid lost during the incident, as well as associated laboratory analyses. Ibama received initial notification of the event on January 4, after Petrobras detected a “loss of fluid” in two auxiliary lines connected to the NS-42 drilling rig tasked with exploring the Morpho well. Petrobras responded by implementing all required containment measures and reported no harm to the environment or personnel.

The leaked volume is estimated at approximately 15,000 liters of synthetic biodegradable drilling fluid, injected through well circulation lines. The leak was identified at a connection between two joints roughly 2.7 kilometers underwater. Petrobras confirmed the immediate containment and ongoing plans to retrieve and repair the affected lines. The company stated that the spill did not impact drilling operations or the well itself and intends to resume activities shortly.

Ibama’s demand extends to an impact assessment and the formulation of preventive measures to avoid recurrence. The institute left the deadline for the report’s submission open, deferring to Petrobras to set timelines. Ibama also highlighted that environmental license conditions can be adjusted during project execution, requiring agency approval for any changes in project scope, purpose, or environmental programs.

These demands and prior technical opinions reflect heightened regulatory oversight amid Brazil’s recent authorization of offshore exploration in sensitive areas such as the Foz do Amazonas basin. The federal prosecutor’s office in Amapá has concurrently sought explanations from Petrobras and Ibama, prompting judicial and NGO reactions including calls to suspend operational licenses. Market actors in the oil & gas sector should consider potential operational delays, increased compliance costs, and reputational risks associated with environmental incidents in Brazil’s frontier offshore plays.