Brazil’s offshore oil industry is making waves—literally. The Búzios field, a crown jewel in the pre-salt Santos Basin, has just shattered its own production records, cementing its place as a global energy powerhouse. With the arrival of its sixth FPSO (Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading) unit, the field is now pumping out an astonishing 800,000 barrels of oil per day. But this is just the beginning.

A Record-Breaking Milestone

On February 24, 2025, the Búzios field hit a historic high, producing 800,000 barrels of oil in a single day. This achievement comes hot on the heels of the arrival of the Almirante Tamandaré, the largest FPSO unit in Brazil. Capable of processing up to 225,000 barrels of oil and 12 million cubic meters of gas daily, this behemoth is a game-changer for Petrobras, Brazil’s state-owned oil giant.

Luiz Otávio Schmall dos Santos, Executive Manager of Búzios, couldn’t hide his excitement: “This milestone is a testament to the relentless innovation and hard work of our teams. With Almirante Tamandaré now operational, we’re setting our sights on the next big target: 1 million barrels per day.”

The Rise of Búzios: From Startup to Superstar

Búzios isn’t just another oil field—it’s a symbol of Brazil’s growing dominance in the global energy market. Since its inception in 2018, the field has rapidly climbed the ranks, becoming the second-largest in terms of production volume and reserves in the country, trailing only the Tupi field.

In March 2024, Búzios celebrated another milestone: the cumulative production of 1 billion barrels of oil. With the addition of Almirante Tamandaré, the field’s potential has skyrocketed. Petrobras’ Exploration and Production Director, Sylvia Anjos, predicts that Búzios could reach 1.5 million barrels per day by 2030, thanks to planned expansions and new units.

The Tech Behind the Triumph

The secret to Búzios’ success lies in its cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships. The field is operated by Petrobras, which holds an 88.98% stake, alongside Chinese giants CNOOC (7.34%) and CNPC (3.67%). The Pré-Sal Petróleo S.A. (PPSA) oversees the operations, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.

The Almirante Tamandaré, leased from SBM Offshore, is a marvel of modern engineering. It’s not just the largest FPSO in Brazil—it’s also the most advanced, designed to handle the extreme conditions of deepwater drilling while maximizing output.

What’s Next for Búzios?

The future looks bright for Búzios. Petrobras recently confirmed a new oil discovery in the western region of the field, further boosting its reserves. With plans to add more FPSO units and ramp up production, Búzios is poised to become a cornerstone of Brazil’s energy strategy for decades to come.

As Sylvia Anjos puts it, “Búzios is more than just a field—it’s a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets ambition. The journey to 1.5 million barrels per day is just beginning.”