Angola: Kwanza basin blocks due exploration
Total SA reported plans for seismic surveys and exploratory drilling on three blocks in the deepwater Kwanza basin off Angola for which it has signed production sharing agreements with state-owned Sonangol.
The company and partners will target presalt hydrocarbon deposits geologically similar to the Santos and Campos basins off Brazil, which have yielded large oil and gas discoveries.
During an initial exploratory period of 5 years, the combine will acquire 14,000 sq km of 3D seismic data and drill five wells on contiguous Blocks 25, 39, and 40. The northern extent of the area covered by the blocks is about 330 km south of Block 17, where Total produces from the Girassol-Rosa, Dalia, and Pazflor hubs and is developing the CLOV hub (OGJ Online, Aug. 11, 2011).
Total will operate 7,604 sq km Block 40, where water depths are 1,500-3,400 m, with a 50% interest. Partners are Sonangol P&P 30% and Statoil 20%.
It also will operate Block 25, covering 4,842 sq km in 700-2,200 m of water. Partners are Sonangol P&P 30%, Statoil 20%, and BP 15%.
On 7,831 sq km Block 39, in 1,330-3,400 m of water, Statoil is operator with a 55% interest. Total holds 15%, and Sonangol P&P holds 30%.
Alan Petzet | Chief Editor Exploration
Alan Petzet is Chief Editor-Exploration of Oil & Gas Journal in Houston. He is editor of the Weekly E&D Newsletter, emailed to OGJ subscribers, and a regular contributor to the OGJ Online subscriber website.
Petzet joined OGJ in 1981 after 13 years in the Tulsa World business-oil department. He was named OGJ Exploration Editor in 1990. A native of Tulsa, he has a BA in journalism from the University of Tulsa.