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New Exploration Front Bets on High Depth, Technology and Accelerated Pace in the Campos Basin
Petrobras has taken another strategic step in the pre-salt. In July 2025, the company began drilling well 9-BUZ-103D-RJS in the field of Búzios, in the Campos Basin.
The activity is being carried out with the drillship Atlantic Zonda, operated by Ventura Offshore and owned by Eldorado Drilling.
The operation occurs in a water depth of 1,700 meters, highlighting the high level of technological complexity involved.
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The well is part of the company’s schedule for expansion and intensification of exploratory activities in one of the most productive areas of the country.
Búzios has proven to be strategic for Petrobras’s plans, which has been heavily investing in new accumulations at depth.
Previous Discovery Paved the Way for Technical Advancement
The new drilling takes place just a few months after the company announced, in February 2025, the discovery of oil in well 9-BUZ-99D-RJS, located in the western part of Búzios.
According to Petrobras, the accumulation was identified in a zone below the main reservoir, reinforcing the potential of the pre-salt in that region.
This discovery indicated that the area has geological structures with great viability for exploration, even below traditional extraction levels.
The Búzios field, located about 200 km off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, has been considered one of the most productive assets of the state-owned company.
Since then, the company has been maintaining continuous operations at the site.
Água Marinha and Aram Increase Exploratory Pace
In addition to Búzios, Petrobras also reactivated in July 2025 the drilling of the pioneer well 1-BRSA-1401D-RJS, in the Água Marinha block.
This block is also located in the pre-salt of the Campos Basin.
During the same period, the company completed the drilling of the well 3-BRSA-1400A-SPS, in the Aram block, which belongs to the pre-salt of the Santos Basin.
With this, the state-owned company demonstrates an intense drilling pace, promoting simultaneous operations in different strategic regions.
This geographically diverse movement increases the chances of new discoveries and avoids the concentration of investments in a single area.
The company has focused on blocks with high productivity expectations, always in compliance with environmental and technical requirements.
Drillship Brings Cutting-edge Technology to Operation
The drilling in Búzios is being executed through the drillship Atlantic Zonda. Moreover, the equipment features modern control systems for extreme depth.
The vessel was built to withstand operations in high pressure and temperature environments. Therefore, it offers safety and efficiency even in severe conditions.
Meanwhile, Ventura Offshore participates in the operation alongside Eldorado Drilling. Thus, Petrobras leverages automation, precision, and high operational performance.
At each stage, the state-owned company proves its technical capability in ultra-deep waters. Therefore, it maintains its leadership in pre-salt offshore exploration.
Finally, the entire operation follows rigorous integrity protocols. Additionally, it ensures environmental performance within the highest industry standards.
Strategy Reaffirms Focus on Sustainable Growth
The sequence of drilling in the Campos and Santos basins is, therefore, aligned with Petrobras’s strategy to maintain national energy self-sufficiency.
Moreover, the company expands its recoverable reserves, which contributes directly to long-term sustainability.
Thus, the Búzios field, with its history of high productivity, remains a priority in the exploratory portfolio of the state-owned company.
Meanwhile, simultaneous operations in Água Marinha and Aram strengthen the company’s positioning, as they diversify risks and optimize available resources.
In this way, with these integrated actions, Petrobras consolidates its presence in areas of high geological value and ensures competitiveness in the global energy market.
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