Petrobras does not rule out simultaneous drilling with two rigs in FZA-M-59

Petrobras does not rule out simultaneous drilling with two rigs in FZA-M-59

Petrobras has not ruled out the possibility of conducting simultaneous drilling operations with two rigs in the FZA-M-59 block, in Brazil’s Foz do Amazonas Basin, although the company says there is currently no plan for both units to operate simultaneously.

The possibility was discussed with environmental regulator Ibama during a meeting on August 31, as Petrobras continues to define the next stages of its exploration campaign in the area.

The company is currently drilling the Morpho exploration well with Foresea’s NS-42, also known as ODN-II. Petrobras announced on August 14 that hydrocarbons had been identified at Morpho, with drilling continuing as part of the exploratory evaluation.

At the same time, Petrobras is seeking to include Constellation’s NS-43, the Amaralina Star, in the Operating License for FZA-M-59. According to the company, the request does not represent the replacement of the NS-42 and is intended to provide greater operational flexibility for the exploration campaign.

Petrobras is also seeking authorization to drill three contingent wells in the block. The current Operating License authorizes only Morpho, while the environmental licensing process has contemplated additional contingent wells whose execution depends on the results of the exploration program.

The company has not yet established a consolidated schedule for the next drilling activities, which will depend on the completion of the current exploration phase and internal technical assessments.

Both NS-42 and NS-43 are also expected to support Petrobras’ exploration program in the Potiguar Basin, where Mãe de Ouro and Itanhangá are among the authorized drilling targets.

Ibama said it is intensively reviewing Petrobras’ request to amend the FZA-M-59 license. The regulator has also highlighted that any new drilling unit may require operational adjustments and prior inspections before beginning activities in the block.

For the drilling market, the key point is that Petrobras is seeking the flexibility to have both NS-42 and NS-43 available within a broader exploration program. Simultaneous drilling is not currently scheduled, but Petrobras has not ruled out that possibility for future stages of the campaign.