ExxonMobil Strikes First Discovery in Angola Block 15 in Nearly 20 Years

Credit: CapTom
Credit: CapTom

U.S. oil major ExxonMobil has made a discovery at the Bavuca South-1 exploration well at the Block 15, offshore Angola.

The well encountered 30 meters (98 feet) of high-quality, hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone. It is located approximately 365 kilometers northwest off the coast of Luanda and was drilled in 1,100 meters (3,608 feet) of water. ExxonMobil usied the Valaris DS-9 drillship for the operation.

The Bavuca South-1 well is part of the Angola Block 15 redevelopment project. 

"As the Block’s operator, ExxonMobil is leading the installation of new technology and a multi-year drilling program aimed at producing approximately 40,000 barrels of oil per day to help offset natural production declines," ExxonMobil said.

The Bavuca South-1 discovery is the eighteenth discovery in Block 15, and first in nearly 20 years.

The 17 previous discoveries on Block 15 were Hungo, Kissanje, Marimba, and Dikanza in 1998; Chocalho and Xikomba in 1999; Mondo, Saxi, and Batuque in 2000; Mbulumbumba, Vicango and Mavacola in 2001; Reco Reco in 2002; and Cloches, Kakocha, Tchihumba and Bavuca in 2003. 

ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration Angola (Block 15) Limited is the operator of Block 15 and holds a 36% interest. BP Exploration (Angola) Limited holds 24%, ENI Angola Exploration B.V. holds 18%, Equinor Angola Block 15 A.S. holds 12% and Sonangol P&P holds 10%. The National Agency for Petroleum, Gasand Biofuels (ANPG) is the Block 15 Concessionaire.

Current News

EMGS to Conduct CSEM Survey Offshore India

EMGS to Conduct CSEM Survey Of

Poland to Open New Areas for Offshore Wind Development in Baltic Sea

Poland to Open New Areas for O

Swedish Firm Eyes Multi-Megawatt Wave Energy Farm Off Grenada

Swedish Firm Eyes Multi-Megawa

Iberdrola Invests in Offshore Wind Coatings Start-Up

Iberdrola Invests in Offshore

Subscribe for OE Digital E‑News

Offshore Engineer Magazine