Petrobras widens Brazil’s Equatorial Margin push with hydrocarbon discovery off Amapá

August 17, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

Brazilian state-owned energy giant Petrobras has found hydrocarbons in a frontier well located in ultra-deep waters off the coast of Amapá, deepening Brazil’s Equatorial Margin exploration quest.

NS-42 (ODN-II) drillship; Source: Foresea

Following the rejection of its license application in May 2023, Petrobras embarked on discussions with the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), which enabled it to secure a license in August 2025 that authorized the drilling of the Morpho well in block FZA-M-59, situated in the Foz do Amazonas basin.

The Brazilian giant has now identified the presence of hydrocarbons in this exploratory well, which is being drilled in deep waters offshore Amapá within the Amazon River mouth sedimentary basin on the Brazilian Equatorial Margin.

The Morpho well, also known as 1-BRSA-1405-APS, is situated approximately 175 kilometers off the coast of the state of Amapá, in a water depth of 2,886 meters. The hydrocarbon-bearing interval was confirmed through electrical and rock indicator logs.

The Foresea ODN II (NS-42) drillship, chartered by Petrobras, arrived at the location in block FZA-M-59 in August 2025. The Brazilian player emphasizes that drilling operations are ongoing and aims to continue the exploratory assessment safely, respecting the environment and people.

Map indicating the location of the discovery in deep waters of Amapá; Courtesy of Petrobras

Magda Chambriard, Petrobras’ President, commented: “Our optimism regarding Brazil’s equatorial margin is confirmed today. This first discovery off the coast of Amapá is the result of Petrobras’ dedication and competence, which is committed to replenishing oil reserves and ensuring the country’s energy security.”

The firm’s activity in block FZA-M-59 is said to be aligned with the company’s strategy of replenishing oil and gas reserves through exploration in frontier areas to meet national energy demand during “the just energy transition.”

Petrobras is the operator of the block and holds a 100% stake in the area. This block was acquired in the 11th Bidding Round of the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) in 2013, under the concession regime.

The Brazilian state-owned firm is actively working on increasing its hydrocarbon resources not only in Brazil but also elsewhere, as illustrated by its recent gas discovery off the coast of Colombia.