Brazilian independent QGEP has kicked off the technical qualification process for a new chartered FPSO to start production from the deepwater Atlanta heavy oil field in Block BS-4 in Santos basin around 185 km offshore Brazil. The post-salt field holds an estimated 1.7 Bbbl of 14-16?degrees API oil in place. QGEP operates the field with a 30% stake and received approval from the National Petroleum Agency to develop the field last year. It sits in 1,550 m of water, with UK consultant Genesis last year carrying out conceptual studies into both a smaller (30,000 b/d) and larger (100,000 b/d) FPSO option for Atlanta.