After a historic record in July, the country boosts a highly specialized chain in engineering, technology, and subsea services
From the first onshore well to the complex development of ultra-deepwater reserves, Brazil has become a key player in the global oil and gas market. With growing production and leadership in offshore exploration, the country is now among the world’s ten largest oil producers; in July 2025, it reached a historic milestone: for the first time, production exceeded 5.16 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), according to data from the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP).
A large share of this output comes from pre-salt fields, which already account for about 76% of national production, a direct result of investments in areas such as Búzios, Sépia, Atapu, Itapu, and Tupi, along with the intensive use of cutting-edge technologies in highly complex environments.
“Surpassing the 5 million boe/d mark shows that technology, effective regulation, and investment are working together, but it also raises the bar of responsibility. The country is mature enough to lead in efficiency and accountability, and we must ensure that this growth is sustainable,” says Marcelo Silva, Engineering Manager at Seagems, a Brazilian company specializing in subsea engineering solutions.
Global Context and Challenges
Since the first wells in the 19th and 20th centuries in the United States, oil exploration has evolved into increasingly complex operations, especially in deep and ultra-deep waters. Drilling technologies, FPSO (floating production, storage, and offloading units) construction, and risk management are now central. With its pre-salt reserves, Brazil has become a global benchmark in this type of undertaking.
Even with these advances, the sector still faces significant demands, such as extreme conditions, geological pressures, maritime logistics, and environmental impacts associated with extraction. In this context, specialized companies like Seagems have played a key role by providing subsea engineering solutions that contribute to safety, precision, and efficiency in offshore operations.
With 11 years of operations, the company accounts for around 36% of the national market for subsea tieback projects, with a fleet of six PLSV vessels and a constant presence in the Santos and Campos Basins. “Technical excellence (operational efficiency) with a focus on safety and risk mitigation is essential, not only to maintain recent records and advance production, but also to ensure international credibility. We want to continue making a solid contribution to the industry’s performance and to Brazil’s reputation as a global reference in oil and gas,” adds Marcelo.
The Future of Production
With record output and expanding operations, Brazil is expected to maintain its prominent role in the global oil sector throughout the next decade. According to the Ten-Year Energy Expansion Plan 2034 (PDE 2034), national production is projected to peak at 5.3 million barrels per day in 2030, remaining at high levels until 2034, when output is estimated at 4.4 million barrels per day.
“Oil shaped the first major modernization cycles in Brazil and worldwide, from roads to polymers, from shipbuilding to aviation. Today, it remains an essential part of the machinery that drives the economy and stimulates technological advancement. Its future depends on our ability to operate with intelligence, responsibility, and a long-term vision,” concludes the Seagems specialist.