Amapá is projecting itself onto the global energy stage: Vandenberg Pitaluga reveals ambitious plans for oil and gas exploration, expedited licensing, and a strategic island port at ROG.e 2026.
At a pivotal moment for the energy sector, estúdio eixos, one of the most respected interview spaces at ROG.e 2026, hosted Vandenberg Pitaluga, the Secretary of Economic Development for Amapá.
The conversation, held during the largest global energy industry gathering at Riocentro, highlighted the state’s ambitious strategy to leverage its economic potential through the exploration of natural resources.
Pitaluga’s revelations signal a new chapter for Amapá, which seeks to position itself as a key player on the energy map of Brazil and South America.
The speed of environmental licensing processes and the proposal for innovative logistics infrastructure, such as an island port, stand out as pillars of this transformation.
Accelerating Licensing and Confirming Potential
The recent discovery at the Morfo Well and the subsequent authorization for three more wells off the Amapá coast have reaffirmed the region’s vast potential in oil and gas resources. This stage is crucial for the state’s economic development.
Historically, the environmental licensing process for the first well took 13 years. However, the current scenario shows significant acceleration: the subsequent three wells obtained their licenses in just 5 to 6 months.
This shift in pace is attributed, in part, to the new licensing law, which provides for special permits for strategic projects, boosting efficiency and attracting investment to Amapá.
Future Vision and Social Inclusion
Amapá is committed to building a sovereign wealth fund, an initiative aimed at ensuring the sustainability of resources derived from oil and gas exploration.
An innovative aspect of this fund is the provision for active participation of indigenous and quilombola communities, ensuring that economic development is equitable and inclusive.
Furthermore, the state is actively advocating for changes to the current royalty law. The goal is to optimize the distribution of these resources, ensuring that Amapá receives a fairer share, which can be reinvested in infrastructure, education, and social programs, promoting long-term sustainable development.
We are building an energy future for Amapá that not only accelerates development but also ensures the participation of our traditional communities and positions us as a strategic logistics hub in the region.
Strategic Partnerships and Local Content
Amapá’s agenda in the energy sector also includes a strong component of regional cooperation. The state is in advanced negotiations for the implementation of local content policies with neighbors such as Guyana and Suriname, strengthening economic ties and creating opportunities for local companies and labor.
Major global industry players, such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, and CNPC, are already collaborating with the state, demonstrating interest and confidence in Amapá’s potential. These partnerships are vital for the transfer of technology and expertise, raising the standard of exploration in the region.
Infrastructure and the Island Port Dream
To consolidate its strategic position, Amapá plans a robust infrastructure geared towards the oil and gas industry.
One of the most audacious projects is the proposal for an island port, designed to function as a logistics support center (supplier) for operations in the Guianas.
This island port would not only optimize the supply chain for regional exploration but also create a new hub for economic development and job creation, with the potential to boost other sectors of the local economy.
Amapá’s active participation in ROG.e 2026, through the statements of Vandenberg Pitaluga, underscores the state’s determination to establish itself as a relevant energy hub.
The ambitious plans, which include the management of a sovereign wealth fund with social inclusion, the fight for fairer royalties, and the realization of the strategic island port, signal a redefinition of the regional economy.
This moment represents a unique opportunity for Amapá to forge a path of economic development that harmonizes energy exploration with a more prosperous and equitable future for its population.
