Petrobras Confirms Oil Discovery in Deep Waters off the Northeast Region

The Discovery Was Made in the Potiguar Basin in Rio Grande do Norte. Experts Say That the Northeast Region Could Enter a New Economic Era

Petrobras reports that it has completed drilling the pioneer well 1-BRSA-1205-RNS (1-RNS-158), located in deep waters of the Potiguar Basin. The results confirmed the discovery, already announced on December 17, 2013, of medium oil of 24º API. Informally named Pitu, the well is located at a water depth of 1,731 meters, 55 km from the coast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte.

The well reached a final depth of 5,353 meters and confirmed a hydrocarbon column of 188 meters. A formation test was conducted, confirming the good permeability and porosity conditions of the reservoir. Based on the results obtained, the consortium will continue the planned exploratory activities, aiming to propose a Discovery Evaluation Plan to the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) for the area.

Petrobras is the operator of the BM-POT-17 concession, with an 80% stake, in consortium with Petrogal Brasil S.A., which holds 20%. As a result of a farm-out process currently underway, and after obtaining the necessary government approvals, BP Energy do Brasil Ltda. will become a concessionaire and the consortium’s stakes in BM-POT-17 will be as follows: Petrobras – 40% (operator), BP Energy do Brasil Ltda. – 40%, and Petrogal Brasil S.A – 20%. Source: Petrobras