TotalEnergies new offshore exploration permit continues to take shape after the multinational company signed the contract earlier this month. The area is located off the coast of the Republic of Congo, close to its already operational Moho facilities. The French-based company noted that it will operate the asset with a 50 percent stake. On the other hand, QatarEnergy will hold a 35% interest and Congo’s national oil company SNPC the remainder.
The energy company has also recently signed production-sharing contracts (PSCs) with the Government of Liberia for four offshore oil blocks. This deal continues to cement TotalEnergies’ presence in Africa’s Atlantic coast.
TotalEnergies’ Congo Endeavors
Reported Sept 1, 2025 – The permit for offshore exploration covers a 1000 square kilometer area. Moreover, it is located 100km off the coast of Pointe Noire and would add to a portfolio of “high-impact prospects.” These remarks were noted by TotalEnergies’ senior vice-president for exploration. The work program includes the drilling of one exploration well. The company has noted that it has made plans to begin construction by the end of 2025. TotalEnergies currently produces 65,000 barrels of oil per day in the country, mostly through offshore wells. SNPC also owns 15% of the Moho production facilities. TotalEnergies has made commendable strides in Africa’s energy exploration, such as Mozambique LNG project. Other recent achievements such as a deepwater contract with Africa’s largest oil producer cements their commitment , zeal and dedication. Moreover, projects such as the implementation of the world’s longest heated oil pipeline show Africa’s commitment in improving its crude oil facilities and efforts to tap its potential in the oil industry.
Project Factsheet
Permit Area: 1,000 km²
Water Depth: Approx. 1,000 meters
Proximity to Moho: 100 km offshore Pointe-Noire
Expected Spud Date: Before end of 2025
Operator: TotalEnergies
Partners: QatarEnergy, SNPC
Significance of TotalEnergies New Offshore Exploration Permit in Congo
The significance of TotalEnergies new offshore exploration permit is its contribution to the national and corporate objectives. For the Republic of Congo, the venture is a vital opportunity to further enhance its position as a regional oil producer, to generate fiscal revenues, and to increase the job opportunities. Moreover, offshore exploration has long formed the basis of the nation’s production strategy due to the mature state of its onshore fields.
By opening up the exploration of the Nzombo block, the government assures levels of production over future decades to be sustainable. With this license, for TotalEnergies, a fresh high-impact prospect is included in its exploration portfolio in accordance with its global strategy of balancing the development of conventional oil and investment in renewals. Significantly, the work program entails drilling one exploration well, with the operations scheduled to be started before 2025 is out.
