BP has eighth oil discovery in the Block 31 offshore Angola

Offshore staff

Sociedade Nacional de Combustiveis de Angola and BP announced the Astraea-1 oil discovery in ultra-deepwater Block 31, offshore Angola. Astraea-1 is the eighth discovery BP has drilled in Block 31, following Plutao, Saturno, Marte, Venus, Ceres, Palas and Juno. The well is located 10 km to the southeast of the Palas discovery.

Astraea-1 was drilled by theJack Ryan drillship in a water depth of 1,496 m, 321 km northwest of Luanda and reached a total depth of 3,511 m below sea level. The well was tested at a maximum rate of 6,513 b/d of oil.

BP is currently evaluating development concepts in the southeastern region of the block.

Sonangol is the concessionaire of Block 31. BP, as operator, holds 26.67%. Partners in Block 31 are Esso Exploration and Production Angola (Block 31) Ltd. (25%), Sonangol E.P. (20%), Statoil Angola A.S. (13.33%), Marathon International Petroleum Angola Block 31 Ltd. (10%) and TEPA (Block 31), Ltd. (a subsidiary of the Total Group) with 5%.

08/11/05