Qatar Petroleum (QP) has entered into a farm-in agreement with Angolan national oil company, Sonangol, and Total to acquire a 30% participating interest in Block 48, located in the ultra-deep waters offshore Angola, according to a press release.

Block 48, which is drill-ready, covers an area of approximately 3,600 square kilometers and is expected to be drilled as part of a 2020/2021 drilling program.

Commenting on the agreement, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, CEO of Qatar Petroleum, said, “Continuing on our journey to build a world-class exploration portfolio, by securing interests in promising exploration blocks in diverse geographies, we are pleased to be part of this exciting ultra-deepwater opportunity in Angola, a leading oil and gas producing country.”

Block 48’s interests will be split into the following: Total (40% – Operator), Sonangol (30%), and Qatar Petroleum (30%).

Block 48 is located in the ultra-deep waters offshore Lower Congo Basin, approximately 400 km northwest of Luanda and 200 km West of Soyo onshore facilities. The average water depth in the block is around 2,500 meters.