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%.