TotalFinaElf SA has launched basic engineering studies for the Dalia project. The field is on Block 17, 135 km off Angola, in 1,300 m of water.
TFE operates the block with 40%. ExxonMobil Corp. holds 20%; BP 16.67%; Statoil 13.33%, and Norsk Hydro ASA, 10%.
Discovered in 1997, Dalia is located near the Girassol oil field, which is due on stream in late 2001 with peak production of 200,000 b/d oil.
Dalia may have greater production potential than Girassol, said TotalFinaElf.
Like Girassol, Dalia will be developed via subsea wells and a floating production, storage, and offloading vessel.
TotalFinaElf expects to award the main Dalia contracts around the end of 2001, and expects the field on stream in late 2004.
Dalia is the second major discovery on Block 17, after Girassol. Eight other finds have since followed, Rosa, Lirio, Tulipa, Orchidea, Cravo, Camelia, Jasmim, and Perpetua.
