Amaralina Star set for next phase of Petrobras drilling in Foz do Amazonas

Petrobras is preparing to deploy the Amaralina Star in the next phase of its exploration campaign at block FZA-M-59, in the Foz do Amazonas Basin, following the identification of hydrocarbons at the Morpho well.

The Constellation drillship is expected to replace Foresea’s ODN-II, or NS-42, as Petrobras moves toward three additional wells — Manga, PAD Morpho and Crotalus — aimed at gathering more information on the reservoir discovered in the area.

The change is the result of a process that began months ago. Petrobras requested the inclusion of the Amaralina Star in the environmental license in April, seeking greater flexibility in the allocation of drilling units across its exploration portfolio.

Ibama amended the operating license on September 3, authorizing the three additional wells and allowing either the ODN-II or Amaralina Star to perform the work. The authorization does not currently provide for simultaneous drilling by the two units.

Before operating at FZA-M-59, however, the Amaralina Star must demonstrate that adaptations required for the collection of drill cuttings have been completed and undergo a prior inspection by Ibama.

Petrobras confirmed during ROG.e 2026 that the NS-43 will now be allocated to the Foz do Amazonas campaign. The ODN-II is expected to undergo maintenance after completing its current activities before moving to the Potiguar Basin, where Petrobras plans to use the unit at the Mãe de Ouro prospect.

The Amaralina Star is already under a three-year Petrobras contract that began on March 6, 2026. Valued at approximately US$528 million, including mobilization and integrated services, the agreement was structured to allow the sixth-generation drillship to operate in different offshore areas, including frontier exploration regions such as the Equatorial Margin.

The unit can operate in water depths of up to 10,000 feet and drill wells to 40,000 feet. Its current Petrobras package also includes managed pressure drilling and integrated subsea services.

At Morpho, Petrobras identified hydrocarbons in August at a location approximately 175 km off the coast of Amapá, in 2,886 meters of water. The additional wells are intended to provide further information on the extent and characteristics of the accumulation before any assessment of commercial development.

The rig reallocation comes as Petrobras expands its exploration program across the Equatorial Margin. Its 2026–2030 Business Plan includes US$2.5 billion in investment and 15 wells planned for the region over the five-year period.