Uchenna Izundu
International Editor
LONDON, Nov. 4 -- Nigeria has approved Total SA's farming into two deepwater licenses off its coast. The French company will acquire a 25.67% interest in OPL 285, operated by OMEL Energy Nigeria Ltd., and a 14.5% interest in OPL 279, operated by OMEL Exploration & Production Nigeria Ltd. (OEPNL).
Nigerian firm EMO Exploration & Production Ltd. also is partner in both assets.
OMEL Energy and OMEL E&P will shoot 500 sq km of 3D seismic and drill one exploration well on the blocks. The exploration period runs until 2012.
OPL 285, covering an area of about 1,170 sq km, lies 80 km offshore near Bonga field in 400-900 m of water.
OPL 279, which is 1, 125 sq km in area, is 100 km offshore near Ehra and Bosi fields in 800-1,800 m of water.
"In the second 5-year exploration period, which is optional, the work commitments will cover the acquisition of a further 500 sq km of 3D seismic and the drilling of two exploration or appraisal wells," Total said.
Total's offshore operated production in Nigeria currently comes from the OML 99, 100, and 102 blocks in joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. The main fields are Amenam-Kpono, Ofon, and Odudu area fields.
Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].
