TotalEnergies plans to expand its presence in the Orange Basin, with a new exploration licence.

The energy company has signed, together with its partner QatarEnergy, an agreement to acquire participating interests in Block 3B/4B, offshore South Africa.

The agreement, which is still subject to final approvals, will see TotalEnergies hold a 33% stake of Block 3B/4B and allow the company to assume operatorship, while QatarEnergy will hold a 24% interest. The remaining stake will be divided amongst existing licence holders Africa Oil SA (17%), Riocure (19,75%) and Azinam (6,25%).

The block is situated 200 km off the western coast of South Africa, covering 17 581 square km. Block 3B/4B is adjacent to the DWOB license operated by TotalEnergies (50%) alongside QatarEnergy (30%) and Sezigyn (20%).

This follows the success of the Venus oil discovery in Namibia, says Kevin McLachlan, senior vp of Exploration at TotalEnergies.

The company expanded its Orange Basin presence off the coast of Namibia in January this year, acquiring additional interest in two offshore blocks.