Petrobras finds signs of hydrocarbons on the Equatorial Margin and prepares to drill new well

(PN) Petrobras declared that it identified the presence of hydrocarbons in the Pitu Oeste exploratory well, in the Potiguar Basin on the Equatorial Margin. The results, however, are still inconclusive regarding the economic viability of the area. The discovery has already been notified to the National Petroleum Agency (ANP). The Pitu Oeste well is located in block BM-POT-17, in deep waters, 52 km off the coast of Rio Grande do Norte.

Petrobrás also said that it will continue exploring the area and plans for next month the second drilling in the Potiguar Basin, in the Anhangá well, in the POT-M-762 concession, 79km off the coast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte and close to Pitu Oeste well.

“Based on complementary studies, the company intends to obtain more geological information about the area to evaluate the potential of the reservoirs and direct the next exploratory activities in the area”, detailed the oil company. Rock samples extracted in Pitu Oeste will be analyzed at the Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello Research Center (CENPES).

“The drilling of the exploratory well in Pitu Oeste was completed safely, within the most rigorous operating protocols in deep waters, which reaffirms that Petrobras is prepared to carry out activities in the Equatorial Margin with full responsibility”, concluded the operator.

Drilling at Pitu Oeste began at the end of December, using the ODN-II drill ship. The water depth is 1180 meters and the total depth was 4230 meters. Through the Pitu Oeste well, Petrobras intends to obtain more geological information about the area, which will allow confirmation of the extent of the oil discovery already made in 2014 in the Pitu well.

Petrobras’ 2024-2028 Strategic Plan foresees an investment of US$3.1 billion for oil and gas research in the Equatorial Margin, where the company plans to drill 16 wells during this period.