Total resigned as operator for five exploration blocks in Foz do Amazonas basin, 120 km offshore Brazil. Partners of exploration blocks FZA-M-57, FZA-M-86, FZA-M-88, FZA-M-125, and FZA-M-127 were notified Aug. 19 (OGJ Online, May 16, 2013).

Total informed the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) of the decision, setting into motion a 6-month period during which a new operator will be appointed. During this period, Total has the duty to continue monitoring all regulatory processes on behalf of partners Petrobras and BP.