Total announces a new oil discovery in the ultra-deep offshore Mer Tres Profonde Sud (MTPS) block, which lies approximately 185 kilometres offshore Congo in a water depth of 2,120 metres. Drilled to a total depth of 4,110 metres, the Persee Nord Est Marine-1 discovery well found six oil reservoir levels in the Miocene.
Following Andromede in 2000, Pegase Nord in 2004, Aurige Nord in 2006 and Cassiopee Est in 2007, this new drilling success is the fifth oil discovery in the MTPS permit. It strengthens Total’s exploration strategy in the Congo, aimed at building an economically viable development cluster in this ultra-deepwater permit. Field development studies for the cluster will begin once the related resources are assessed.
Awarded in May 1997, the MTPS block extends over more than 5,000 square kilometres, with water depths ranging from 1,300 to 3,000 metres. Through its subsidiary Total E&P Congo, Total is the operator with a 40% interest, alongside partners ENI Congo (30%) and Esso Exploration and Production Congo (Mer Tres Profonde Sud) Limited (30%).
