Petrobras said it found hydrocarbons in the Santos Basin pre-salt, in an appraisal well in the Aram block. Well 3-BRSA-1387D-SPS is located 260 kilometres (km) from the city of Santos, São Paulo, at a water depth of 1,979 metres.
The company said the well is in progress and the oil-bearing interval was verified through wireline logging and fluid samples, which will be further characterised through laboratory analyses. The data will help the explorer evaluate the potential of the area and direct additional exploratory activity. Petrobras said it will continue operations to conclude the drilling of the well to the expected depth and verify the extent of the new discovery.
Petrobras said the Aram block constitutes an important asset for exploring the remaining pre-salt potential, particularly in the Santos basin. In addition, the well presented a fluid of excellent quality, confirming low contaminant levels. Petrobras sees vast potential in this discovery to help expand accumulation discovered by the wildcat well 1-BRSA-1381-SPS, in the same block.
The Aram block was acquired in March 2020, in the 6th Bidding Round of the National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), under the Production Sharing regime, with Pre-Sal Petróleo S.A. (PPSA) as manager. Petrobras is the operator of the block and holds an 80% share, in partnership with CNPC (20%).
