Petrobras has made its first hydrocarbon discovery off the coast of Amapá, confirming the presence of hydrocarbons in an exploration well in the Foz do Amazonas Basin on Brazil’s Equatorial Margin.
In a statement issued on August 14, the Brazilian oil company disclosed that the discovery was made at the Morpho well, also known as 1-BRSA-1405-APS, in the FZA-M-59 block. The well is located about 175 kilometers offshore in 2,886 meters of water.
Petrobras identified the hydrocarbon-bearing interval through electric logs and indications in the rock. Drilling is continuing as the company assesses the discovery.
“Our optimism about the Brazilian Equatorial Margin is confirmed today. This first discovery off the coast of Amapá is the result of Petrobras’ dedication and expertise, as the company remains committed to replenishing the country’s oil reserves and ensuring energy security,” said Petrobras President Magda Chambriard.
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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed the find, describing it as a potential “passport to the country’s future,” according to a BBC report published August 18.
Lula’s government has faced criticism from environmental groups over allowing Petrobras to drill in the Equatorial Margin, but the administration has stressed its continued commitment to eventually phasing out fossil fuels to curb climate change.
Petrobras, on the other hand, said the exploration program is part of its effort to replenish oil and gas reserves through frontier exploration and support Brazil’s energy needs during the energy transition.
Petrobras is the operator of FZA-M-59 and holds a 100% interest in the block. It acquired the area in 2013 during the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) 11th Bidding Round under a concession regime.
The discovery comes as Petrobras expands exploration along the Equatorial Margin. Under its 2026–2030 Business Plan, the company plans to drill 15 wells across the frontier between Amapá and Rio Grande do Norte.
Petrobras has allocated US$7.1 billion to exploration under the plan, with 37.5% earmarked for the Equatorial Margin. The company plans to drill eight wells in Amapá deep waters as part of the campaign.
