Petrobras reports oil discovery at mouth of Amazon river
Petrobras reported it has identified the presence of hydrocarbons in an exploratory well currently being drilled in Block FZA-M-59, in deep waters off Amapá, in the Foz do Amazonas sedimentary basin on Brazil’s equatorial coast.
Hydrocarbons are derived primarily from oil and natural gas and serve as an essential raw material for fuels, plastics, and rubber.
The Morpho well (1-BRSA-1405-APS) is located about 175 km off the coast of the Northern Brazilian state of Amapá, at a water depth of 2,886 meters.
“Our optimism regarding the Brazilian equatorial shelf has been confirmed today [Friday]. This first discovery off the coast of Amapá is the result of the dedication and expertise of Petrobras, which is committed to rebuilding the country’s oil reserves and ensuring its energy security,” said Petrobras President Magda Chambriard on Friday (Aug. 14), the day the discovery was announced.
According to the state-run oil giant, “drilling operations are continuing, with the aim of continuing the exploratory assessment in a safe manner and with respect for the environment and people.”
Strategy
Petrobras’ operations in Block FZA-M-59 are aligned with the company’s strategy to replenish oil and gas reserves through exploration in frontier areas, with the aim of meeting domestic energy demand during the just energy transition.
Petrobras is the operator of the block and holds a 100-percent interest in the area. The block was acquired during the 11th bidding round of Brazil’s National Petroleum Agency (ANP) in 2013 under a concession regime.
