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Discovery by Petrobras Occurred in Block Aram, 245 km from Santos, and May Indicate New Volumes of Oil and Gas in the Region
Petrobras announced the discovery of hydrocarbons in Block Aram, located in the pre-salt layer of the Santos Basin, one of Brazil’s main oil production hubs. According to a statement from the state-owned company released in March 2025, drilling of well 4-BRSA-1395-SPS, which is still ongoing, has already identified signs of oil and natural gas at a depth of 1,759 meters. The block is situated 245 km from the coast of Santos (SP). This discovery reinforces Petrobras’ interest in expanding production in the pre-salt as highlighted by Magda Chambriard, the company’s president.
Petrobras operates Block Aram in the pre-salt with an 80% stake, having as partner the Chinese state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), which holds the remaining 20%. This block was acquired in 2020 during the 6th round of pre-salt auctions organized by the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) under the production-sharing regime. According to ANP, the concession for Block Aram was one of the most contested at the time due to its great production potential.
What Does This Discovery Mean?
The discovery of Petrobras hydrocarbons was made through electrical profiles, signs of gas, and fluid samples, techniques used to evaluate rock formations and the presence of oil. According to Petrobras itself, the samples extracted from the well will undergo detailed laboratory analyses to determine the commercial viability of the reserve and guide the next steps in exploration.
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Industry experts point out that the discovery in Block Aram reinforces the importance of the pre-salt layer of the Santos Basin, which already houses giant production fields such as Lula, Búzios, and Sapinhoá. According to data from the National Agency of Petroleum (ANP), these areas account for more than 70% of oil production in Brazil, consolidating the Santos Basin as the country’s main oil frontier.
Next Steps for Petrobras in Exploring Block Aram
In a statement, Petrobras informed that it will continue drilling the well and will conduct formation tests to determine the productivity of the reserve. Should the results be positive, the company may initiate the production development phase, integrating the new field with the offshore platforms already operating in the region.
The director of Exploration and Production at Petrobras, Sylvia Anjos, stated that the Santos Basin continues to be a priority for the company’s investments, since it holds more than 90% of the state’s proven reserves. She also emphasized that Petrobras has been expanding its exploratory capacity, not only in ultra-deep waters but also in optimizing processes to make pre-salt extraction more efficient and profitable.
Impact on the Oil and Gas Market
The exploration of Brazilian pre-salt may directly impact the oil market, as new reserves indicate potential for increased national production. According to a recent report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Brazil is already among the ten largest oil producers in the world, with the pre-salt accounting for about 75% of the country’s total production.
The Petrobras CNPC partnership also strengthens the state-owned company’s position in the international market, making Brazil one of the main oil exporters to China and Europe. Data released by the Ministry of Mines and Energy indicate that in 2024 alone, Brazil’s oil exports grew by 14%, reflecting the importance of new discoveries for the country’s trade balance.
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