Petrobras finds hydrocarbons off Amapá in Equatorial Margin

Petrobras has identified hydrocarbons in the Morpho exploratory well, 1-BRSA-1405-APS, in block FZA-M-59, marking the company’s first discovery offshore Amapá in Brazil’s Equatorial Margin.

The well is located approximately 175 kilometers off the coast of Amapá, in the Foz do Amazonas Basin, at a water depth of 2,886 meters.

The hydrocarbon-bearing interval was identified through electrical logs and indications observed in the rocks during drilling. Operations are continuing to further evaluate the discovery and determine the characteristics and potential extent of the accumulation.

The result does not yet establish a commercial discovery. Further appraisal will be required before the size, recoverability and economic viability of the accumulation can be determined.

Petrobras holds a 100% interest in FZA-M-59, acquired in Brazil’s 11th ANP Bidding Round in 2013 under the concession regime. Drilling at Morpho began in October 2025 after Petrobras received the operating license for the well from Ibama.

The discovery is particularly relevant to Petrobras’ strategy of replenishing reserves as the company expands exploration beyond its established producing basins. The Equatorial Margin has attracted significant industry interest following major discoveries along the same broader Atlantic margin in Guyana and Suriname.

Petrobras plans to invest US$2.5 billion across the Equatorial Margin and drill 15 new wells through 2030, according to its current business plan.

Following the Morpho result, Petrobras CEO Magda Chambriard said potential production offshore Amapá could begin within six to seven years if exploration confirms commercially viable resources.

“Our optimism regarding the Brazilian Equatorial Margin is confirmed today. This first discovery off the coast of Amapá is the result of Petrobras’ dedication and expertise,” Chambriard said.

For now, Morpho is an exploration result, not a development project. But the presence of hydrocarbons provides the first direct subsurface evidence from Petrobras’ campaign offshore Amapá and increases the importance of the next wells in determining whether FZA-M-59 can support a commercial development.