Total SA has become operator of the deepwater Xerelete concession in the Campos basin offshore Brazil, where the Xerelete heavy oil discovery was drilled in 2001.
Transfer of Xerelete operatorship to Total from Petrobras was unanimous among the partners. Block interests are Total and Petrobras 41.2% and BP 17.6%.
Xerelete, in 2,400 m of water 250 km east-southeast of Rio de Janeiro, contains 17-20° gravity oil. A presalt prospect has also been identified below the Xerelete structure, which lies 40 km west of the Pao de Acucar discovery. Total plans to start drilling activities in 2013.
Total also holds a 20% interest in Block BM-S-54, where the Gato do Mato discovery is being appraised.
