Petrobras, ExxonMobil, Equinor Win Coveted Brazilian Presalt Block

RIO DE JANEIRO—Results of Brazil’s fourth presalt bid round has confirmed the attractiveness of the country’s presalt layer, according to members of Brazil’s government.

Three of the four blocks offered during the June 7 round were acquired. The round raised roughly $829 million in signature bonuses and a commitment of $194.2 million in planned investments for exploratory work.

“The round was extremely successful, attracting attention from large companies. The process of attracting investments to the country continues,” said Décio Oddone, the head of Brazil Oil and Gas Regulator (ANP) in the press conference after the round. “We will see the results in the future through the production of oil and gas, job creation, royalties and taxes. The goodwill of profit oil achieved in the round showed the presalt attractiveness.”