Petrobras completes first well drilling in Equatorial Margin
Brazilian state-run oil company Petrobras has announced the conclusion of drilling at the Pitu Oeste exploratory well, located off the coast of Rio Grande do Norte state, in the Brazilian Equatorial Margin. Work began just over a month ago. During the drilling process, the presence of hydrocarbons was detected, and this information has been promptly communicated to the National Petroleum Agency (ANP) for further assessment of economic viability. The well, situated in deep waters approximately 52 kilometers off the state's coast, is part of the BM-POT-17 concession.
According to Petrobras, the drilling operation was conducted safely and followed strict protocols for deep-water operations. The company also highlighted its commitment to respecting the local population and environment in a recent report released on Friday (Jan. 26).
Petrobras is now gearing up for its next drilling endeavor scheduled for February, targeting the Anhangá well in the POT-M-762 concession, which is located 79 kilometers off the coast of Rio Grande do Norte and near the Pitu Oeste well. Further studies are planned to gather geological data, assess reservoir potential, and plan future exploratory activities.
The Equatorial Margin extends along the Brazilian coast from Rio Grande do Norte to the state of Amapá, encompassing the hydrographic basins at the mouths of the Amazon, Pará-Maranhão, Barreirinhas, Ceará, and Potiguar rivers. This geographical region is widely recognized for its substantial potential in the oil and gas sector.
Investments
In its strategic plan for 2024-2028, Petrobras has earmarked $3.1 billion for research in the Brazilian Equatorial Margin. The company aims to drill 16 wells over the next four years. However, the exploitation of reserves in this region, particularly near the mouth of the Amazon River, has faced criticism from environmental groups due to concerns about potential impacts on biodiversity.
The operations in the Potiguar Basin have received approval from the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA). Petrobras obtained operating licenses for drilling the Pitu Oeste and Anhangá wells in October 2023.
