Brazil's offshore exploration sector continues to generate new drilling successes, with both bp and Petrobras reporting hydrocarbon discoveries from separate deepwater campaigns. The results advance activity in two strategically important regions: the prolific Santos Basin and the emerging Equatorial Margin.

bp targets further appraisal work after Santos Basin find

bp has identified hydrocarbons during exploration drilling on the Tupinambá Block in the Santos Basin offshore Brazil, the company reported Oct. 28.

Well 1-BP-14-SPS is located 275 km offshore in a water depth of 2,343 m. The Tupinambá post-salt section is currently undergoing evaluation while drilling continues toward the presalt section.

Following completion of operations, Transocean's Deepwater Mykonos drillship will likely transfer to bp’s Bumerangue Block to start appraisal of last year’s giant oil discovery.

bp operates the Tupinambá Block with a 50% interest, with the remainder to be held by Shell, subject to regulatory approval.

Pré-Sal Petróleo manages the production sharing contract for the block, which was awarded in December 2023 under the National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP’s) second Permanent Offer process.

Petrobras extends Equatorial Margin success at Morpho

In Brazil’s Equatorial Margin, Petrobras' Morpho well has encountered a third oil-bearing interval during operations in Block FZA-M-59, in 2,886 m water depth offshore the state of Amapá, the company reported Oct. 29.

It follows earlier discoveries announced in August and in early October.

Drilling and acquisition of geological data have now concluded. Following abandonment of the well, the rig will head to the Potiguar Basin offshore Rio Grande do Norte to start drilling at the Mãe de Ouro location.