Questions and answers about deepwater drilling in Amapá

Posted on 2025.10.22

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See below the answers to the main questions about deepwater drilling in Amapá.
 
What are the next steps now that Ibama has granted the drilling license?
 
After the license was granted by Ibama, Petrobras began drilling the well on Monday (October 20) in deep waters off Amapá, 500 km from the mouth of the Amazon River and 175 km off the coast, in Brazil's Equatorial Margin. The work is expected to last approximately five months. After this period, the data obtained will be evaluated by Petrobras' technical team. Through this exploratory research, the company seeks to obtain more geological information and assess the economic feasibility of the area. There is no oil production at this stage.
 
How does Petrobras assess the licensing process for Block FZA-M-59?
 
Petrobras and Ibama maintained ongoing dialogue throughout all stages of the process. The company met all the requirements established by Ibama, fully complied with the environmental licensing process, and responded to all adjustment requests made, including after the Pre-Operational Assessment (APO). Throughout these stages, Petrobras demonstrated to Ibama its technical capability and the effectiveness of the proposed emergency response and wildlife rescue plans within the licensing process.
 
Is the drilling rig NS-42 lease agreement signed between Petrobras and Foresea still in effect? Will this be the equipment used for drilling?
 
Petrobras keeps active the structure, human resources, and physical assets dedicated to the well drilling, including the NS-42 drillship, which is ready to begin operations.
 
What is the estimated oil reserve by Petrobras in the Foz do Amazonas Basin?
 
The Equatorial Margin, where the Foz do Amazonas Basin is located, is a new exploratory frontier region. The research process authorized by Ibama will make it possible to gather this information.
 
In addition to the Morpho well, is Petrobras studying other drilling operations in block FZA-M-59? What will be the next steps for Petrobras' activities off the coast of Amapá?
 
Exploratory activity in the Equatorial Margin involves drilling more than one well. In the case of block FZA-M-59, Petrobras will assess the results after drilling the Morpho well. The licensing process for drilling in blocks FZA-M-57, 86, 88, 125, and 127 is also underway. All infrastructure made available for block FZA-M-59, including the Wildlife Rescue Centers in Belém and Oiapoque, will be available for use in other projects developed in the Equatorial Margin.
 
What is the importance for Petrobras of opening a new operating frontier in the Equatorial Margin?

Oil exploration is essential to prevent Brazil from shifting from being self-sufficient to becoming an oil importer starting in the 2030s. The natural decline in production will require investments in oil exploration and production to meet demand. For Petrobras, balancing the focus on responsible oil and gas exploration with the expansion of a low-carbon business portfolio is the most effective way for Brazil to advance in a fair energy transition without compromising its energy sovereignty, development, or international competitiveness.
 
How has Petrobras contributed to a just energy transition?

Petrobras is committed to a fair, inclusive, and financially viable energy transition. This commitment is reflected in the company's 2025–2029 Business Plan, which allocates around 90 billion reais to energy transition initiatives — a 42% increase compared to the previous plan, representing 15% of total CAPEX.

These investments include projects in low-carbon energy, decarbonization of operations, and Research, Development, and Innovation, which are integrated across all segments. Petrobras is investing in bioproducts, especially ethanol, biodiesel, biomethane, and biorefining projects, as well as in new low-carbon energy sources such as wind, solar photovoltaic, and low-carbon hydrogen.

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