OREANDA-NEWS. Total has started production from Dalia Phase 1A, a new development on its deep offshore operated Block 17, located 135 km off the coast of Angola. Dalia Phase 1A will develop additional reserves of 51 million barrels (Mb) and will contribute 30,000 barrels per day (b/d) to the block’s production.

“The Dalia FPSO came on stream nearly nine years ago and with the addition of Phase 1A will still produce around 200,000 b/d. It is the latest milestone in the success story of Block 17, Total’s most prolific license with cumulative production reaching two billion barrels in May 2015,” explained Arnaud Breuillac, President Exploration & Production. “Dalia Phase 1A demonstrates Total’s commitment to maximizing value through the optimal use of existing facilities. These types of profitable satellite tie-back developments play an important role in maintaining production levels and generating additional free cash flow for the Group.”

The Dalia Phase 1A project involves the drilling of seven infill wells tied back to the Dalia Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit.

Total Exploration & Production in Angola

Total celebrated its 60th anniversary in Angola in 2013. In 2014, the Group’s equity production reached 200,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), coming essentially from Blocks 17, 0 and 14. In early 2015, Total’s operated production exceeded 700,000 boe/d, making it the country’s leading oil operator.

Total operates Block 17 with a 40% interest alongside Statoil (23.33%), Esso Exploration Angola Block 17 Ltd (20%) and BP Exploration Angola Ltd (16.67%). Sonangol is the concessionaire of the license. The Group operates four FPSO units on the major production zones of the block: Girassol, Dalia, Pazflor and CLOV. 

Total also operates with a 30% interest the ultra deep offshore Kaombo development located on Block 32. A final investment decision was made in April 2014 to develop Kaombo’s estimated reserves of 650 Mb via two converted FPSOs with a total production capacity of 230,000 b/d.