Angola's National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG), ExxonMobil and their Block 15 partners announced on Wednesday, 9 July, the discovery of a new oil well off the coast of Luanda — the 20th discovery at the block in the past 30 years.
According to a statement consulted by Lusa, the Vicango Este-01 exploratory well, located in Block 15 approximately 370 kilometres northwest of the Luanda coastline, was drilled to a depth of 940 metres by the Valaris DS-9 platform.
The exploratory well confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons and represents the 20th discovery at Angola's Block 15 over the past three decades, and the third in the last four years, the Angolan concessionaire said.
ANPG Board Chairman Paulino Jerónimo, quoted in the statement, said the discovery is "partly the result of adjustments to the legal framework and the incentives that the Angolan state has granted to investors."
ExxonMobil Angola President Brian Unietes said that after more than 23 years of "successful" production at Block 15, the discovery demonstrates "the continued resource potential of Angola's offshore" and reflects the company's commitment to exploration and development in the country.
According to ANPG, more than 2.7 billion barrels of oil have been produced at Block 15 over the past 30 years, "generating significant value for all stakeholders."
ExxonMobil, through Esso Exploration Angola Limited, operates Block 15 and holds a 36% stake. The remaining partners are Azule Angola Limited (24%), Azule Angola BV (18%), Equinor Angola (12%) and Sonangol E&P (10%). ANPG is the block's concessionaire.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=538660
