More prospects on deepwater presalt Gabon license

Feb. 6, 2014
Marathon Oil says evaluation continues of last year’s Diaman-1B exploration well on the Diaba license G4-223 offshore Gabon, operated by Total.

Offshore staff

HOUSTON – Marathon Oil says evaluation continues of last year’s Diaman-1B exploration well on the Diaba license G4-223 offshore Gabon, operated by Total.

Marathon Oil announced in August that the well encountered 160-180 net ft (48.7-55 m) ofhydrocarbon pay in the deepwater presalt play. Early analysis suggests the hydrocarbons are natural gas with condensate content, although this remains to be confirmed.

Marathon, which holds a 21.25% interest in the license, says the partners have identified numerous other presalt prospects.

Last October, the company was the high bidder as operator of two deepwater blocks in the presalt. Gabon’s government has since withdrawn one of the blocks - award of the other block is pending government approval and negotiation of an exploration and production sharing contract.

2/6/14