Brazil’s energy landscape is about to get a major upgrade as Petrobras, the country’s state-owned oil and gas titan, rolls out the red carpet for a cutting-edge floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel. Dubbed Alexandre de Gusmão, this high-tech behemoth is set to revolutionize production at the Mero field, one of Brazil’s most lucrative pre-salt oil reserves.

A Floating Powerhouse Arrives

The Alexandre de Gusmão FPSO, owned by Dutch firm SBM Offshore, touched down in Brazil in early March 2025 after a months-long journey from China. Petrobras CEO Magda Chambriard announced its arrival with palpable excitement on social media, signaling a new chapter for the Mero field. Nestled in the ultra-deep waters of the Santos Basin—about 190 kilometers off Rio de Janeiro’s coast—the Mero field is no stranger to innovation.

This FPSO isn’t just another addition to the fleet; it’s a game-changer. With a staggering production capacity of 180,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and gas compression of 12 million cubic meters daily, the Alexandre de Gusmão is poised to push Mero’s total output to an eye-watering 770,000 bopd.

The Mero Field: A Pre-Salt Powerhouse

Discovered in 2010, the Mero field is a crown jewel in Brazil’s pre-salt reserves, governed by the Libra production sharing agreement (PSA). Operated by Petrobras (38.6%), the field is a collaborative effort with global energy giants like Shell Brasil, TotalEnergies, CNPC, CNOOC, and Pré-Sal Petróleo (PPSA).

“Mero is the third-largest field in Brazil, trailing only Tupi and Búzios in terms of oil volume and production,” said Sylvia Anjos, Petrobras’ Exploration and Production Director. “With the ramp-up of the Marechal Duque de Caxias FPSO and the arrival of Alexandre de Gusmão, we’re looking at a significant boost in output.”

The field recently hit a major milestone, producing 500,000 bopd in February 2025—just days after the Búzios field set a record of 800,000 bopd. These achievements underscore Brazil’s growing dominance in the global oil market.

Innovation at the Core

Petrobras isn’t just drilling for oil; it’s rewriting the playbook. The company credits its success to a relentless focus on technological advancements and innovation. From cutting-edge drilling techniques to state-of-the-art FPSO designs, Petrobras is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in ultra-deepwater exploration.

“Since Mero’s first oil extraction, we’ve seen a series of breakthroughs and production records,” said Chambriard. “The 500,000 bopd milestone is a testament to the hard work of our teams and the groundbreaking technologies we’ve deployed.”

The pre-salt Santos Basin is now the backbone of Petrobras’ operations, accounting for a whopping 81% of its total production. In 2024 alone, the basin contributed significantly to the company’s proven reserves of oil, condensate, and natural gas.

What’s Next for Petrobras?

With the Alexandre de Gusmão FPSO set to operate for the next 22.5 years, Petrobras is doubling down on its commitment to sustainable growth and energy independence. As the world shifts toward cleaner energy, the company is balancing its oil production with investments in renewable energy and carbon capture technologies.

For now, though, all eyes are on the Mero field. As the Alexandre de Gusmão begins operations, Brazil’s oil industry is gearing up for a new era of productivity and innovation.