Less than a year after the startup of Mero-2, the third development phase of the Mero field offshore Brazil, Mero-3, has produced first oil, TotalEnergies announced Oct. 30.

Located in the Libra block, 180 km off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, in the Santos Basin, Mero-3 includes 15 wells connected to the Marechal Duque de Caxias FPSO, with a production capacity of 180,000 bbl/d of oil. With the start-up of Mero-3, the overall production capacity of the Mero field will reach 590,000 bbl/d.

Mero-3 was designed to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, with reinjection of the associated gas into the reservoir and zero routine flaring. The project’s FPSO will later be connected to the HISEP pilot project. Currently under development, the pilot project will separate oil from CO2-rich gas at the bottom of the ocean and reinject the gas directly into the reservoir.

Mero-4, an additional development phase of 180,000 bbl/d, is currently under construction, with start-up expected in 2025.

Petrobras is the operator of the Mero field with a 38.6% stake. TotalEnergies and Shell Brasil each hold a 19.3% and CNPC and CNOOC each have a 9.65% stake in the field. Pré-Sal Petróleo SA holds the remaining 3.5%.

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