Total makes two discoveries in Republic of the Congo

April 2, 2007
Total has made two oil discoveries in the northern area of the Moho-Bilondo permit, 80 km (50 mi) offshore Republic of the Congo in 1,000 m (3,280 ft) water depth.

Offshore staff

PARIS -- Total has made two oil discoveries in the northern area of the Moho-Bilondo permit, 80 km (50 mi) offshore Republic of the Congo in 1,000 m (3,280 ft) water depth.

The Moho Nord Marine-1 discovery well was drilled to a TD of 2,645 m (8,678 ft) and encountered a 140-m (459-ft) column of oil in high quality Upper Miocene reservoir levels.

The Moho Nord Marine-2 discovery well was drilled to a TD of 2,340 m (7,677 ft) about 1.5 km (1 mi) from the first well. Moho Nord Marine-2 encountered a different set of two Upper Miocene oil reservoirs that are connected to each other, one overlying the other. One contains a 78-m (256-ft) column of oil. The other contains a 22-m (72-ft) column of oil, Total says.

Appraisal is under way for the additional reserves in the three oil reservoirs. Development plan studies have already been launched, Total says

These wells were the second phase of the campaign to add resources to the current Phase 1 development of Moho-Bilondo. An earlier discovery, Mobi Marine 2, will be connected to the Moho-Bilondo floating production unit.

Launched in late August 2005, the initial Phase 1 development plan for Moho-Bilondo consists of 12 subsea wells tied back to a floating production unit, with a peak output of 90,000 b/d of oil. Production is scheduled to begin in 2008.

Total E&P Congo operates the block with 53.5% interest. Partners include Chevron Overseas Congo Ltd. with 31.5% interest and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo with the remaining 15%.

4/2/2007