Petrobras has reported the discovery of hydrocarbons in the pre-salt region of the Campos Basin, following the completion of drilling at exploratory well 1-BRSA-1404DC-RJS in block C-M-477.

The well sits 201km offshore Rio de Janeiro in a water depth of 2,984m.

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The presence of hydrocarbons was confirmed through analysis of electric logs, gas detections and fluid samples.

These samples will be submitted for laboratory analysis, which will determine the properties of the reservoir and fluids, and inform ongoing assessment of the site’s potential.

Petrobras holds a 70% working interest as operator in block C-M-477, with bp possessing the remaining 30%.

The block falls under a concession regime originating from the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels’ 16th Bidding Round.

These activities form part of Petrobras’ wider strategy to restock oil and gas reserves in emerging exploratory areas, working alongside other companies to maintain the national energy supply during energy transition efforts.

Petrobras stated that the well was drilled safely, taking into account both environmental and human considerations.

Last month, Petrobras announced an oil discovery in the Marlim Sul field, also within the pre-salt layer of the Campos Basin.

The company made this find via the 3-BRSA-1397-RJS exploration well, situated 113km off the coast of Campos dos Goytacazes in Rio de Janeiro state at a depth of 1,178m.

Earlier in the year, Petrobras and its subsidiary Transpetro signed contracts totalling 2.8bn reais ($521m) to construct five gas carriers, 18 barges and 18 push-boats under the Mar Aberto programme.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attended the signing in Rio Grande. The agreement for the five gas carriers followed an international bidding process and the vessels will be built at the Rio Grande Shipyard in Rio Grande do Sul.