Petrobras has proven hydrocarbons in the deepwater Morpho prospect on Block FZA-M-59 in the Foz do Amazonas Basin offshore northeast Brazil.

Operations continue on the 1-BRSA-1405-APS well, at the location 175 km from the coast of Amapá State, in 2,886 m water depth.

Petrobras said the hydrocarbon-bearing interval was identified through wireline logs and rock indications.

The operator did not disclose whether the hydrocarbon-bearing interval contained oil, gas or condensate. Petrobras also did not disclose the size of the accumulation.

The company said laboratory analyses and further drilling activities will be conducted to determine reservoir characteristics, hydrocarbon quality and the commercial potential of the discovery.

The company operates Block FZA-M-59, acquired under ANP's 11th Licensing Round staged in 2013, with a 100% interest.

Petrobras advances Equatorial Margin campaign

The discovery follows Petrobras' renewed push into Brazil's Equatorial Margin, a vast offshore region extending from Amapá to Rio Grande do Norte. Petrobras has identified the area as one of its most important exploration frontiers, citing geological similarities to hydrocarbon-rich basins along the Atlantic margin of West Africa.

Its exploration plans for Block FZA-M-59 were set back in 2023 following an objection to its original drilling plan in the environmentally sensitive region on the northern Brazilian Equatorial Margin. 

Petrobras' efforts to drill the block attracted significant attention after environmental licensing delays related to emergency response planning and ecological concerns in the region. Following additional assessments and negotiations with Brazil's environmental regulator Ibama, the company received authorization to proceed with drilling activities in 2024.