By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Nov. 24 -- Angola's offshore concessions continue to be a source of new oil discoveries (OGJ Online, Aug. 6, 2003). BP PLC unit BP Exploration (Angola) Ltd. and Angola's state oil company Sociedade Nacional de Combustíveis de Angola (Sonangol) Monday reported the oil find Marte (Mars) on ultradeepwater Block 31.
Of four wells drilled on the block, this was the third successful discovery, following the Plutão and Saturno discoveries about 20-25 km southeast of Marte (OGJ Online, July 28, 2003).
The Marte-1 discovery well reinforces the commercial viability of discoveries made on Block 31. Its proximity to Plutão and Saturno may make joint development likely, but development options currently are still being evaluated, BP said.
The Marte-1 well was drilled in 1,978 m of water 175 km off Angola and reached 4,193 m TD below sea level. It flowed as much as 5,200 b/d on test.
BP said it plans to drill one more exploration well—Vénus-1—in this area by yearend. The block covers 5,349 sq km in water 1,500-2,500 m deep.
Concessionaire Sonangol awarded operatorship of Block 31 to BP in 1999 along with a 26.67% equity interest. Partners are Esso Exploration & Production Angola (Block 31) Ltd. 25%, Sonangol EP 20%, Statoil Angola AS.13.33%, Marathon Petroleum Angola Block 31 Ltd. 10%, and Total unit EPA (Block 31) Ltd 5%.