Shell Brasil Petróleo Ltda. (Shell Brasil), a subsidiary of Shell plc, has announced the commencement of oil and gas production at the state-of-the-art floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) facility, Alexandre de Gusmão, located in the prolific Mero field.

The FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão, an impressive piece of offshore engineering, is integral to the Mero-4 project. It boasts an substantial operational capacity, designed to produce up to 180,000 barrels of oil per day and compress 12 million cubic meters of gas daily. Shell Brasil holds a 19.3% share in the Mero field, a testament to its investment in Brazil's pre-salt region. The facility is positioned approximately 180 kilometers off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, operating in challenging deepwater conditions at a depth of around 2,000 meters. Over its operational lifespan, the FPSO will be connected to 12 wells, optimizing resource recovery from this highly productive area.

Peter Costello, Shell's Upstream President, commented on the achievement, stating, "Mero-4 is the latest example of how we are working with our partners to unlock value from world-class reservoirs, sustaining material liquids production and providing for the world's current energy needs." He further emphasized the strategic importance of Shell's Brazilian portfolio, highlighting its "long-life assets with high flow rates, resulting in some of our most competitive barrels on both operating cost and carbon footprint." This statement underscores Shell's focus on efficient and environmentally responsible production in a critical energy-producing region.

The Mero field, a unitized asset, operates under a robust partnership model. Petrobras leads the consortium with a 38.6% operating stake. Shell Brasil and TotalEnergies each hold a 19.3% share, while CNPC and CNOOC each possess 9.65%. Pré-Sal Petróleo S.A (PPSA) represents the Brazilian Government in the non-contracted area with a 3.5% interest.

The Mero field is one of the largest deepwater oil discoveries globally and is renowned for its high-quality, pre-salt crude. The start-up of Mero-4, following the successful production from previous Mero FPSOs, further solidifies the field's position as a cornerstone of Brazil's oil and gas production. These projects are vital not only for the economic prosperity of Brazil but also for meeting the global demand for energy, particularly as the world navigates the complexities of energy transition. The sustained production from fields like Mero provides a stable supply of hydrocarbon resources, supporting industries and economies worldwide while investments in renewable energy sources continue to grow. The expertise and technology deployed in these deepwater developments also contribute significantly to the advancement of offshore engineering and operational capabilities. The ongoing commitment to efficiency and reduced carbon footprint in these operations reflects the industry's evolving standards and its responsibility towards sustainable energy production.