10 Questions and Answers about the Pre-Operational Test in the Equatorial Margin

The Pre-Operational Test (POT), conducted by Ibama, is the final stage of the environmental licensing process for drilling in block FZA-M-59, in deep waters off Amapá, in the Equatorial Margin.
 
See below the answers to the main questions about this simulated exercise.

What is the POT?

The Pre-Operational Test (POT) is the final stage of the environmental licensing process conducted by Ibama, and its purpose is to test the effectiveness of the emergency response plan presented by Petrobras.

How long will it last?

The estimated duration is 3 to 4 days.

How will Petrobras operate during the POT?

Based on the emergency scenario defined by Ibama at the beginning of the exercise, Petrobras will act with the resources planned for the response, which involve the mobilization of vessels, vehicles, wildlife centers, and aircraft.

What equipment will be mobilized?

- 6 vessels equipped for oil containment and recovery;
- 1 drilling ship;
- 3 aircraft that may be used for aeromedical rescue, wildlife rescue, and aerial monitoring;
- 6 additional dedicated vessels equipped with resources and specialists for wildlife response;
- 2 Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation Centers, one in Oiapoque (AP) and another in Belém (PA).

What are the Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation Centers?

They are a type of hospital for wildlife that include an outpatient clinic, stabilization rooms, treatment rooms, an operating center, and other facilities dedicated to caring for birds, marine mammals, turtles, dolphins, and manatees. The two wildlife centers are located in Belém (PA) and Oiapoque (AP) and are ready to operate.

How many people will be involved in the simulation?

Petrobras will mobilize around 400 people for the simulated exercise.

Will any well drilling take place during the POT?

No. Drilling will only be carried out after the license is granted by Ibama.

Has Petrobras ever participated in an exercise of this scale?

Yes. The most recent one was in September 2023, in the Equatorial Margin, Potiguar Basin. On that occasion, Petrobras obtained the Operating License for block BM-POT-17.

Will there be a simulation of oil reaching the coast?

No. In all the tide current modeling studies carried out, the possibility of oil reaching land in the event of an incident is ruled out. It is worth noting that the research site is located 175 km from the coast of Amapá and more than 500 km from the mouth of the Amazon River.

How long after the POT will Petrobras receive the license to drill?

It is up to Ibama to define the next steps and timelines after the exercise is carried out.


Learn more about the Equatorial Margin and about Petrobras' activities in the region.