ExxonMobil has made a new oil discovery with the Bavuca South-1 exploration well in Block 15 offshore Angola. The well is part of the Angola Block 15 redevelopment project targeting to deliver around 40,000 B/D of new oil production.
According to ExxonMobil, the well encountered 30 m of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone. The probe is located approximately 365 km northwest of Luanda and was drilled in 1100 m of water by the Valaris DS-9 rig.
As the block’s operator, ExxonMobil is leading the installation of new technology and a multiyear drilling program aimed at adding new production volumes to help offset natural production declines.
There have been 17 previous discoveries on Block 15: 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 Clochas, 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 BV holds 18%, Equinor Angola Block 15 AS holds 12%, and Sonangol P&P holds 10%. The National Agency for Petroleum, Gas, and Biofuels (ANPG) is the Block 15 concessionaire.