A new step-out well confirmed the presence of light oil in the Carioca Norte extension of the discovery well, 1-BRSA-491-SPS. This is the fourth well in the region and third delineation well, following 3-BRSA-861-SPS (Carioca Nordeste) and 3-BRSA-1023-SPS (Carioca Sela) in the pre-salt of Santos Basin offshore Brazil.

Petrobras completed drilling well 3-BRSA-1101-SPS (3-SPS-100), informally known as Carioca Norte. The new well was drilled to a total depth of 5,576 m (18,401 ft). It is located in block BM-S-9 of assessment area 1-BRSA-491-SPS. The water depth is 2,152 m (7,102 ft).  The well is 275 km (165 miles) off the coast of São Paulo.
The 3-BRSA-1101-SPS is 6.5 km (3.9 miles) from the discovery well and is between the Carioca and Carioca Nordeste areas. The fluid samples collected through tests show that the oil is similar to the one found in other wells of the area.

Block BM-S-9 is operated by Petrobras (45%) in partnership with BG E&P Brasil (30%) and Repsol Sinopec Brasil (25%).

The consortium will proceed with the activities and investments necessary to appraise the area, according to the appraisal plan approved by the National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency.