Ibama has fined Petrobras R$2.5 million for a drilling fluid spill in January in the Foz do Amazonas basin. The incident involved discharging 18.44 cubic meters of an oily mixture into the sea, rated as medium risk to human health and the aquatic ecosystem. Despite the state-run company's claims that the material is biodegradable, the event sparked protests and temporarily halted operations.
The Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) issued a R$2.5 million infraction notice against Petrobras for a fluid spill during well drilling in the Foz do Amazonas basin, which happened in January 2026. According to the agency, 18.44 cubic meters of non-aqueous base drilling fluid—an oily mixture used in oil and gas exploration—were accidentally discharged into the sea from the NS-42 drillship. This fluid contains components in risk category B, posing a medium threat to human health and the aquatic environment.
Petrobras has 20 days to pay the fine or file an administrative defense. The state-run company stated that the material is biodegradable and causes no environmental impacts but did not immediately respond to the infraction. The spill occurred in two flexible pipes (risers) connecting the platform to the seabed during preparatory activities for the well's fourth phase. An opinion from the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) attributed the incident to seal failures in joints, worsened by strong coastal currents off Amapá that cause significant lateral displacements. The drillship operates about 2,900 meters above the seafloor, the largest distance recorded for Brazilian wells in this region.
Currents in the area were a known risk, highlighted by environmentalists, indigenous groups, and Ibama itself. Historically, Petrobras has drilled 95 wells in the basin since the 1970s, with 31 abandoned due to operational difficulties, including a 2011 suspension from strong currents. The event prompted protests from activists and local indigenous organizations, who warn of oil exploration's effects on sensitive ecosystems with corals and mangroves.
This week, ANP authorized resuming operations with conditions such as replacing riser joint seals, employee training, enhanced vibration monitoring, and banning uncertified joints. Initially, the company planned to complete the well in five months. Ibama's president stressed strict licensing to minimize accidents: “It's like having a fire extinguisher on the wall, but you don't want a fire.” He described the Foz do Amazonas as “more sensitive” and noted that Petrobras tops Ibama's infractions for minor incidents.
