(WO) — Petrobras has discovered hydrocarbons at the ultra-deepwater Morpho exploration well offshore Amapá, marking the company’s first discovery in the area as it continues to evaluate Brazil’s Equatorial Margin.
The Morpho well (1-BRSA-1405-APS) is being drilled in block FZA-M-59 in the Foz do Amazonas basin. The well is located approximately 175 km off the coast of Amapá in 2,886 meters of water and nearly 500 km from the mouth of the Amazon River.
Petrobras confirmed the hydrocarbon-bearing interval through electrical logging and rock data. Drilling remains underway as the operator continues its exploratory evaluation of the prospect. The company did not disclose the type or estimated volume of hydrocarbons encountered.
“Our optimism about the Brazilian Equatorial Margin is confirmed today,” Petrobras President Magda Chambriard said. “This first discovery off the coast of Amapá is the result of the dedication and competence of Petrobras, which is committed to the recomposition of oil reserves and the country’s energy security.”
The discovery comes as Petrobras targets frontier exploration to replenish its oil and gas reserves, with the Equatorial Margin forming an important part of the company’s longer-term exploration strategy.
Petrobras operates block FZA-M-59 with a 100% interest. The company acquired the acreage during Brazil’s 11th ANP bidding round in 2013 under the country’s concession regime.
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