COPENHAGEN, July 22 (Reuters) - Equinor ( EQNR ) has

awarded a drilling contract in Brazil worth $498 million to

Valaris ( VAL ) on behalf of partners in the Raia field

development project, the Norwegian company said on Monday.

The drilling is expected to start in 2026, Equinor ( EQNR ) said,

adding that six wells were planned, with oil and gas production

scheduled to begin in 2028.

The Raia field is operated by Equinor ( EQNR ), which has a 35% stake

in the project, while Repsol Sinopec Brasil

holds 35% and Brazilian state-run oil firm Petrobras

owns the remaining 30%.

Equinor ( EQNR ) also awarded SLB, Baker Hughes ( BKR ) and Halliburton ( HAL )

contracts for drilling and well services for the project worth

around $109 million in total.

Once in operation, Raia is expected to meet up to 15% of

total gas demand in Brazil, according to Equinor ( EQNR ).