BP announces oil, gas discovery at Bumerangue prospect in offshore Brazil

bp (BP) drilled exploration well 1-BP-13-SPS at the Bumerangue block, located in the Santos Basin, 404 kilometres from Rio de Janeiro, in a water depth of 2,372 metres. The well was drilled to a total depth of 5,855 metres. The well intersected the reservoir about 500 metres below the crest of the structure and penetrated an estimated 500 metre gross hydrocarbon column in high-quality pre-salt carbonate reservoir with an areal extent of greater than 300 square kilometres. Results from the rig-site analysis indicate elevated levels of carbon dioxide. bp will now begin laboratory analysis to further characterize the reservoir and fluids discovered, which will provide additional insight into the potential of the Bumerangue block. Further appraisal activities are planned to be undertaken, subject to regulatory approval. Gordon Birrell, bp’s executive vice president for Production & Operations said: “We are excited to announce this significant discovery at Bumerangue, bp’s largest in 25 years.”