TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil launch new studies on oil blocks 17 and 32 in Angola

TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil have reached an agreement with the National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) to conduct prospective studies on offshore blocks 17/O6 and 32/21 in Angola, aiming to identify new drilling targets.

Share:

TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil have signed an agreement with the National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) to undertake prospective studies on offshore blocks 17/O6 and 32/21 in Angola. These areas, located off the Angolan coast, are already known to host several producing oil fields, including Girassol, Dalia, Pazflor, and Kaombo.

Objective of the prospective studies

The primary objective of this initiative is to identify new drilling targets to strengthen the country’s oil production. Currently, few details have been disclosed regarding the implementation of these studies. However, this initiative is part of the Angolan government’s strategy to keep national oil production above the one million barrels per day threshold.

Context of oil production in Angola

Since reaching a peak of 1.8 million barrels per day in 2010, Angola’s oil production has gradually declined, averaging 1.2 million barrels per day in 2023. According to a report published in 2022 by Fitch Solutions, this downward trend could continue, with a further 20% decrease expected by 2031. Given this outlook, the exploration of strategic areas such as blocks 17 and 32 is seen as a key option to reverse this trend.

Similar initiatives

A similar agreement was signed between ANPG and Shell to conduct prospective studies on offshore blocks 19, 34, 35, 37, and 43. These initiatives reflect the ongoing efforts of the Angolan government and its international partners to explore new opportunities and revitalise the country’s oil sector.

The private OCP pipeline has resumed operations in Ecuador following an interruption caused by heavy rains, while the main SOTE pipeline remains shut down, continuing to impact oil exports from the South American country.
McDermott secures contract worth up to $50 million with BRAVA Energia to install subsea equipment on the Papa-Terra and Atlanta oil fields off the Brazilian coast.
Saudi Aramco increases its oil prices for Asia beyond initial expectations, reflecting strategic adjustments related to OPEC+ production and regional geopolitical uncertainties, with potential implications for Asian markets.
A bulk carrier operated by a Greek company sailing under a Liberian flag suffered a coordinated attack involving small arms and explosive drones, prompting an Israeli military response against Yemen's Houthis.
The Canadian government is now awaiting a concrete private-sector proposal to develop a new oil pipeline connecting Alberta to the Pacific coast, following recent legislation intended to expedite energy projects.
Petrobras is exploring various strategies for its Polo Bahia oil hub, including potentially selling it, as current profitability is challenged by oil prices around $65 per barrel.
Brazilian producer Azevedo & Travassos will issue new shares to buy Petro-Victory and its forty-nine concessions, consolidating its onshore presence while taking on net debt of about USD39.5mn.
Major oil producers accelerate their return to the market, raising their August quotas more sharply than initially expected, prompting questions about future market balances.
Lindsey refinery could halt operations within three weeks due to limited crude oil reserves, according to a recent analysis by energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie, highlighting an immediate slowdown in production.
The flow of crude between the Hamada field and the Zawiya refinery has resumed after emergency repairs, illustrating the mounting pressure on Libya’s ageing pipeline network that threatens the stability of domestic supply.
Libreville is intensifying the promotion of deep-water blocks, still seventy-two % unexplored, to offset the two hundred thousand barrels-per-day production drop recorded last year, according to GlobalData.
The African Export-Import Bank extends the Nigerian oil company’s facility, providing room to accelerate drilling and modernisation by 2029 as international lenders scale back hydrocarbon exposure.
Petronas begins a three-well exploratory drilling campaign offshore Suriname, deploying a Noble rig after securing an environmental permit and closely collaborating with state-owned company Staatsolie.
Swiss commodities trader Glencore has initiated discussions with the British government regarding its supply contract with the Lindsey refinery, placed under insolvency this week, threatening hundreds of jobs and the UK's energy security.
Dalinar Energy, a subsidiary of Gold Reserve, receives official recommendation from a US court to acquire PDV Holdings, the parent company of refiner Citgo Petroleum, with a $7.38bn bid, despite a higher competing offer from Vitol.
Oil companies may reduce their exploration and production budgets in 2025, driven by geopolitical tensions and financial caution, according to a new report by U.S. banking group JP Morgan.
Commercial oil inventories in the United States rose unexpectedly last week, mainly driven by a sharp decline in exports and a significant increase in imports, according to the US Energy Information Administration.
TotalEnergies acquires a 25% stake in Block 53 offshore Suriname, joining APA and Petronas after an agreement with Moeve, thereby consolidating its expansion strategy in the region.
British company Prax Group has filed for insolvency, putting hundreds of jobs at its Lindsey oil site at risk, according to Sky News.
Orlen announces the definitive halt of its Russian oil purchases for the Czech Republic, marking the end of deliveries by Rosneft following the contract expiry, amid evolving logistics and diversification of regional supply sources.