Petroleum Africa
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Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Total has halted drilling offshore South Africa due to mechanical problems with the rig. The halt of drilling will lead to French firm’s exploration program in the country being pushed back by almost two years.
Guy Maurice, senior VP for exploration and production, told attendees at Global Pacific & Partners’ Africa Oil Week conference taking place in Cape Town that due to the mechanical problems, drilling on Block 11B/12B will not be able to resume prior to 2016. “Offshore repair was not possible,” Maurice said.
Not only does the delay set back Total’s drilling program, but it also dashes the South African government’s plans to have 30 exploration wells drilled over the next decade.
Numerous license awards have been made for South Africa’s offshore blocks over the past five years or so to heavy-hitters such as Total, Shell, and Anadarko among those looking to tap into the country’s potential.
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