In early June 2019 industry sources indicated that Total was awarded the UDO-North exploration block in the deep waters of the MSGBC Basin. The block covers 10,000 sq km and is operated by Total with a 100% interest. The location of the acreage is not yet known but it is assumed that it borders on the Rufisque Offshore Profond (ROP) block also operated by Total.  Following the interpretation of the 3D seismic survey completed in June 2018 by Total, suitable prospects were identified and one of them is now being drilled (see below). The ROP block covers 10,357 sq km and was previously undrilled. The block is located between Kosmos Teranga and Yakaar gas discoveries in the north and Cairnâs FAN-1 oil discovery in the south, in water depths ranging from 100m to 3,000m. It lies on the Upper Cretaceous slope and basin floor fan play fairways and holds a considerable exploration potential. In August 2018, Petronas acquired a 30% stake in the ROP block from Total who remains operator with a 60% interest. Petrosen, the state company has the remaining 10%.     In April 2019 Total spudded the Jamm 1XB new field wildcat well in the ROP block. As of early June, drilling operations were ongoing. The location is in the central part of the northern portion of the block in around 2,000 m of water. Likely targets are Upper Cretaceous turbidite channels/fans on the lower slope. The hydrocarbon type to be expected could be rather oil than gas as the location falls into a compartment of the basin where Cairn made its oil discoveries. This compartment may have a lower geothermal gradient than the adjacent one to the north where Kosmos made several gas discoveries.  The UDO-North block is an area retained by Total from its UDO-TEA which it held from May 2017 to May 2019.  Background information  In May 2017, Total was awarded a 65,000 sq km reconnaissance permit in the ultra-deep offshore of Senegal. The permit, named UDO-TEA, is subdivided in two blocks which cover all territorial waters of Senegal west of currently licensed acreage. The reconnaissance permit is non-exclusive and valid for up to two years.  Earlier in 2017, Total greatly expanded its acreage position in the MSGBC Basin. It used to have only the C-9 block in Mauritania. Then, in quick succession, it added the Rufisque Offshore Profond block in Senegal on 2 May and the C-7 block on 12 May in Mauritania. As of mid-2017, Total operated a total of 27,900 sq km in deep waters of the MSGBC basin.
Total was awarded the UDO-North exploration block in the deep waters of the MSGBC Basin. The block covers 10,000 sq km and is operated by Total with a 100% interest. 