Petrobras drills ninth well in Tupi Field

Petroleo Brasileiro has concluded the drilling of the ninth well located in the Tupi area of Brazil's ultra deep Santos Basin Block BM-S-11, confirming the estimated volumes of recoverable light oil and natural gas to be in the range of between 5 and 8 billion boe in the pre-salt reservoirs of the Tupi area.

The well (known as Tupi SW) proved that the oil accumulation, not only is extended until the south extreme of Tupi's Evaluation Plan Area, but also proved that the thickness of the oil reservoir reaches around 128 m, thus reducing the uncertainty of the hydrocarbons volume estimate for Tupi's area.

The result of the drilling of this well is of significance because once it has defined, among other variables, the level of oil/water contact in the prospect, indicates the higher thickness of the oil rock.

Besides the high recoverable estimated volume, the oil in Tupi has a density of 28° API, which corresponds to an excellent commercial value. The declaration of commerciality is expected before December 31. Before then, two delimitation wells will be drilled.

The new well, is located in Tupi's Evaluation Plan Area, in a water depth of 2,152 m, around 290 km off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state and 11 km southwest of the Tupi Sul well, where the extended well test is being performed in the pre-salt reservoirs of Santos Basin. After confirming the expected productivity, the contractor group for BM-S-11 will study the allocation in the south of Tupi, of one of the standardized floating platforms that are being projected to operate in the pre-salt of Santos Basin. All activities and investments are being carried out in accordance with the evaluation plan already approved by Agencia Nacional do Petroleo (ANP).

Petrobras is the operator of Block BM-S-11 with 65% interest in partnership with BG Group, holding 25%, and Galp Energia, with the remaining 10% interest.