Petrobras P-15 Platform Helideck

Economic reasons. The helideck was closed as a direct result of the decommissioning of the P-15 platform. The platform was shut down because the Piraúna oil field, where it operated, had reached the end of its economic viability. This was part of a broader Petrobras strategy to divest from mature and less profitable deepwater assets to focus on more productive pre-salt fields.

The P-15 platform has been permanently decommissioned and physically removed from its operational location. The structure was towed to a shipyard for dismantling and recycling in line with environmental and safety regulations. Consequently, the helideck no longer exists. The geographic coordinates -22.6775, -40.606098 now correspond to open ocean.

The P-15 helideck was a critical piece of private infrastructure, not a public airport. Its significance is tied to the P-15 semi-submersible platform, which began production in 1998. For over 20 years, the helideck was the lifeline for the platform, located in the Campos Basin off the coast of Brazil. It handled thousands of helicopter flights, primarily originating from Macaé Airport (SBME), to facilitate crew changes, transport urgent supplies and equipment, and provide emergency medical evacuation (medevac) capabilities. The helideck was essential for the safe and continuous operation of the platform, which contributed significantly to Brazil's oil production for two decades, first in the Marimbá field and later in the Piraúna field.

There are zero prospects for reopening. The helideck was an integral component of the P-15 platform, which has been permanently dismantled. The concept of reopening is not applicable as the entire facility has been removed.