Total adds discoveries off Congo (Brazzaville)

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Jan. 25 -- Total SA notched two more oil discoveries on its Moho-Bilondo license off Congo (Brazzaville), boosting its confidence that a second development hub is emerging as a direct extension of the producing first phase in the southern part of the license.

The Bilondo Marine 2 and 3 wells, in 800 m of water in the central part of the license 70 km off the coast, follow the successful Moho Nord Marine 1 and 2 exploratory wells drilled in 2007.

Bilondo Marine 2 and 3 went to 1,800 m in the Tertiary series and flowed successfully at undisclosed rates. They cut 77 m and 44 m, respectively, of gross reservoir, and neither well encountered water.

This first phase, brought on stream in 2008, was the first ultradeepwater field developed in Congo (Brazzaville). That field is making 90,000 b/d from 13 subsea wells tied into a floating production unit. The oil is shipped to the onshore Djeno terminal.

Total E&P Congo is operator with 53.5% interest in the license. Chevron Overseas Congo Ltd. has 31.5%, and Soc. Nationale des Petroles du Congo has 15%.