Statoil and Petrobras are teaming up in a partnership that may see them co-operate on exploration and production activities in two key pre-salt basins off Brazil.

The Norwegian state-controlled player and Brazilian state giant signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to evaluate participating in future exploration tenders and possibly collaborate in producing fields in the Santos and Campos basins.

The pact, which has a two-year horizon, also sets out the potential framework for co-operation on opportunities in the gas value chain through the use of technologies.

The