TotalEnergies discovered significant hydrocarbons offshore Congo, leveraging existing infrastructure to develop nearly 100 million barrels efficiently and cost-effectively.
TotalEnergies, through its subsidiary TotalEnergies EP Congo, has announced a significant hydrocarbon discovery on the Moho license located offshore the Republic of the Congo. This discovery follows the successful drilling of the MHNM-6 NFW exploration well, which specifically targeted the Moho G geological structure鈥攁n area considered highly prospective for hydrocarbon accumulation.
The exploration well revealed a substantial hydrocarbon column measuring approximately 160 meters. This column was found within high-quality Albian reservoirs, which are known for their favorable characteristics such as good porosity and permeability, making them suitable for efficient extraction. In addition to confirming the presence of hydrocarbons, the drilling operation included a comprehensive program of data acquisition and sampling. These efforts are essential for refining subsurface models, improving reservoir understanding, and supporting the planning of future development activities.
This new discovery at Moho G complements an earlier finding in the nearby Moho F structure. Together, these two discoveries are estimated to hold recoverable resources of nearly 100 million barrels. Rather than developing these resources independently, the operator plans to integrate them into existing production systems through a tie-back approach. This method involves connecting new wells to already established infrastructure, thereby reducing both development time and capital expenditure.
One of the key advantages of the Moho license is its proximity to existing production facilities. According to Nicola Mavilla, Senior Vice-President of Exploration at TotalEnergies, this strategic location enables a rapid and cost-effective development cycle. By utilizing infrastructure that is already in place, the company can significantly accelerate production timelines while minimizing additional investment. Mavilla emphasized that combining technical expertise with operational efficiency allows TotalEnergies to create long-term value and enhance production potential.
TotalEnergies EP Congo operates the Moho license with a majority stake of 63.5%. The project is carried out in partnership with Trident Energy, which holds a 21.5% interest, and the Soci茅t茅 Nationale des P茅troles du Congo (SNPC), which owns the remaining 15%. This collaboration reflects a balanced partnership between international expertise and national participation.
The Moho development already includes two Floating Production Units (FPUs), named Alima and Likouf. These facilities collectively produce approximately 90,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (kboe/d), based on total output. The integration of new discoveries into these existing units is expected to further enhance production capacity and extend the operational lifespan of the field.
Overall, the Moho G discovery represents a strategically important addition to TotalEnergies鈥� portfolio in the region. It demonstrates the continued potential of offshore Congo鈥檚 hydrocarbon resources and highlights the effectiveness of combining exploration success with infrastructure-led development strategies.
