In May 2017, Brazil's oil regulator ANP reported that a record 16 companies had registered to participate in the so-called fourth round of bidding for stakes in Brazil’s coveted pre-salt layer.

The Special Bidding Commission (CEL) has analyzed applications for the 16 companies that have expressed an interest in the auction and all have been approved. Last year, the 2nd and 3rd Sharing Rounds had 11 and 15 qualifying, respectively. Among the companies that can participate in the 4th Round, are the largest in the oil and gas sector in the world and two are Brazilian.

Of those qualified, two (DEA Deutsche Erdoel and Petronas Carigali) do not have contracts for exploration and production of oil and natural gas in Brazil.

Scheduled for next June 7, the 4th Round will offer the areas of Itaimbezinho, Três Marias, Dois Irmãos and Uirapuru, in the pre-salt of the Campos and Santos basins. The round was approved by CNPE Resolution 21/2017.

List of registered companies and countries of origin:

• BP Energy do Brasil Ltda.- United Kingdom
• Chevron Brazil Ventures - United States
• CNODC Brasil Petróleo e Gás Ltda.- China
• CNOOC Petroleum Brazil - China
• DEA Deutsche Erdoel AG - Germany
• Ecopetrol S.A. - Colombia
• ExxonMobil Exploração Brasil Ltda.- United States
• Petrogal Brazil S.A. - Portugal
• Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.- Brazil
• Petronas Carigali SDN BHD - Malaysia
• QPI Brasil Petróleo Ltda.- Qatar
• Queiroz Galvão Exploration and Production S.A. - Brazil
• Repsol Exploración S.A. - Spain
• Shell Brasil Petróleo Ltda.- United Kingdom
• Statoil Brasil Óleo e Gás Ltda. - Norway
• Total E & P do Brasil Ltda. - France