BP Announces Major Oil and Gas Discovery Off Brazil Coast

BP has made its largest discovery in 25 years with a new oil and gas find in the Santos Basin, approximately 250 miles off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, the company announced on Monday, August 4, 2025.   

According to the release, the company's exploration well, 1-BP-13-SPS, at the Bumerangue block, revealed a substantial hydrocarbon column in a high-quality pre-salt carbonate reservoir.

The well, drilled to a total depth of 5,855 meters in 2,372 meters of water, penetrated an estimated 500-meter gross hydrocarbon column, with the reservoir's areal extent exceeding 300 square kilometres. 

While initial analysis indicates elevated levels of carbon dioxide, BP plans further laboratory analysis to characterise the reservoir and fluids.

Gordon Birrell, BP's executive vice president for Production & Operations, called the discovery "a significant success" and highlighted the company's commitment to growing its upstream portfolio.