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8In this study, we consider robustness as a risk management method in the development of 9 complex petroleum fields, complementing the well-known techniques of acquiring new 10 information and adding flexibility to the production system. To create a robust production 11 strategy we aim to reduce sensitivity to uncertainty. Our methodology is based on the analyzed 12 performance of an optimized production strategy, covering all possible scenarios. We use 13 technical and economic indicators to objectively identify and quantify refinements in this 14 strategy to assure good performance across possible scenarios. We focus on the robust number 15 and placement of wells, and robust platform processing capacities. We consider the robustness 16 of net present value and of the recovery factor, computed using Multi-Attribute Utility Theory. 17We quantify the risk through semi-deviation, instead of standard deviation, to focus on the 18 downside volatility. Refining an optimized production strategy significantly improved the 19 optimization process by increasing the expected value of each objective and, dramatically 20 reduced the downside risk. 21 22 Keywords: field development; uncertainty management; robustness; production strategy; semi-23 deviation; reservoir simulation. 24 25 The upstream sector, particularly in offshore fields, is considered high-risk, comprising 29 considerable investment in complex, uncertain scenarios. Various sources of uncertainties may 30 coexist during the development phase, the focus of this study: (1) geological uncertainties, 31 associated with recoverable reserves and flow characteristics; (2) operational uncertainties, 32 related to system availability; and (3) economic uncertainties, such as oil price, capital 33 expenditures (CAPEX) and operational expenditures (OPEX). Thus, uncertainty and risk 34 analyses are fundamental to decide whether and how to develop a field. 35

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