(World Oil)– bp is progressing appraisal planning for its significant Bumerangue hydrocarbon discovery in the pre-salt Santos Basin offshore Brazil, following confirmation of a large, liquids-rich reservoir. Laboratory and pressure gradient analysis have verified the presence of a ~1,000-meter gross hydrocarbon column, including a ~100-meter oil column and a ~900-meter liquids-rich gas-condensate column.
According to bp, the reservoir’s high-quality rock properties and consistent liquids presence throughout the column indicate a highly promising development opportunity. The company said initial results suggest that the carbon dioxide content in the reservoir can be effectively managed, leveraging bp’s deepwater and carbon management experience.
The discovery well, 1-BP-13-SPS, was drilled to a total depth of 5,855 meters in 2,372 meters of water, approximately 404 kilometers offshore Brazil. The reservoir comprises high-quality pre-salt carbonate rock extending over 300 square kilometers, marking bp’s largest discovery in 25 years. The company holds 100% interest in the block, with Pré-Sal Petróleo S.A. serving as the Production Sharing Contract manager.
bp plans to begin appraisal activities in early 2027, pending regulatory approval. Ongoing laboratory testing and fluid characterization will determine condensate-to-gas ratios, gas-to-oil ratios, and in-place resource estimates. “Initial results and analysis are extremely encouraging as they indicate a very large hydrocarbon column and a significant volume of liquids in the reservoir,” said Gordon Birrell, bp’s executive vice president for Production & Operations. “Our confidence in the potential of this field has increased, and we are accelerating work on proposed appraisal and development concepts, including a potential early production system.”
The Bumerangue discovery is among 12 exploration finds bp has made globally in 2025, spanning the Gulf of America, Namibia (through its Azule Energy joint venture with Eni), and other basins. The company has operated in Brazil for more than 50 years and currently holds interests in six offshore blocks, operating two directly, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the region’s deepwater energy development.
