Petrobras makes pre-salt oil and gas find off Brazil

SANTOS, March 18, 2025 – Petrobras has found hydrocarbons in Brazil’s Santos Basin pre-salt at a new exploratory well in the Aram block, the company said on Tuesday.

Well 4-BRSA-1395-SPS, located 245 kilometres from the city of Santos in São Paulo state, was drilled to appraise the Curacao find in the Aram pre-salt area. The well is being drilled at a water depth of 1,759 metres.

“The hydrocarbon-bearing interval has been detected by means of wireline loggings, gas shows and fluid sampling, which will later be characterised by laboratory analysis. These data will make it possible to assess the potential and direct the next exploratory activities in the area,” Petrobras said.

Operations will continue to complete the drilling project to the planned final depth and characterise the conditions of the reservoirs found. The block was acquired in March 2020 during the 6th bidding round held by the National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANP) under the production sharing regime, with Pré-Sal Petróleo S.A. (PPSA) as manager.

Petrobras is the operator of the block with an 80% working interest, in consortium with CNPC holding 20%.

“Aram block is an important asset for exploring the pre-salt potential, particularly in the Santos Basin,” Petrobras said.

The exploratory well, known as Tortuga, is being drilled with the Valaris DS-4 ultra-deepwater drillship in 1,759 metres of water. “The hydrocarbon-bearing interval was detected by means of wireline logging, gas shows and fluid sampling that will later be characterised by laboratory analysis,” Petrobras said.

Petrobras’s operations span oil and gas exploration, production, refining, and distribution, with a strong focus on deepwater drilling. The company also engages in petrochemical activities, natural gas supply, and biofuel production. Petrobras holds significant offshore reserves, especially in Brazil’s pre-salt fields, making it a key contributor to the country’s energy sector. It emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency in its global ventures.

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