Total gets interests in blocks off Australia

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, May 25 -- Total SA has signed two agreements to participate in four deepwater exploration blocks covering 21,000 sq km off northwestern Australia.

Water depths of the blocks, 300-400 km offshore, are 1,000-3,000 m.

Under one agreement, Total will acquire a 25% interest in Block WA-301-P. BHP Billiton Ltd. operates this block with a 50% interest.

The second agreement is with BHP and Kerr-McGee Corp. for 25% interests in Blocks WA-303-P, WA-304-P, and WA-305-P.

CNOOC holds 25% interests in all four blocks (OGJ Online, Apr. 3, 2006).

Exploration is scheduled to begin in 2007.