On Nov. 6, Petrobras completed the drilling of the first appraisal well in the Libra Consortium area, the 3-BRSA-1255 (3-RJS-731) informally known as NW1. Located in the northwest portion of the Libra Block in the presalt layer of the Santos Basin, the well is about 4 km (2.5 miles) southeast of the discovery well, the 2-ANP-2A-RJS.

The well has reached a final depth of 5,734 m (18,812 ft) and is located 185 km (115 miles) off the coast of Rio de Janeiro at a water depth of 1,963 m (6,440 ft). The drilling results have confirmed an oil column of about 290 m (951 ft) and a reservoir that shows good porosity and permeability. Samples collected from the well have confirmed that the oil of 27˚API is the same as the one found in the well 2-ANP-2A-RJS. A formation test is expected in the oil-bearing zone to verify its characteristics and the reservoir productivity.

The Libra Consortium is made up of Petrobras (operator, with 40%), Shell (20%), Total (20%), CNPC (10%), CNOOC Ltd. (10%) and the state company Pré-Sal Petróleo S.A. It will proceed with the activities set forth in the exploratory plan approved by Brazil’s National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency.