TotalEnergies Collaborates with BluEnergies on Harper Basin Offshore Liberia Exploration
TotalEnergies and BluEnergies Collaboration in Liberia
In a strategic move to enhance exploration efforts in offshore Liberia, BluEnergies Ltd. (TSXV: BLU) announced a pivotal agreement with TotalEnergies SE (NYSE TTE). This collaboration, termed a Joint Study and Application Agreement (JSAA), marks a significant step forward in assessing and harnessing the oil and gas potential of the Harper Basin, a promising area situated in the West Africa Transform Margin.
Overview of the Joint Study and Application Agreement
The JSAA is designed to delve deeper into the prospectivity of key blocks within the Harper Basin, notably LB-26, LB-30, and LB-31. These blocks span a vast area and hold the promise of new hydrocarbon discoveries. Through this agreement, both companies aim to identify economically viable drilling prospects, potentially leading to production-sharing contracts in the near future.
To kick off this ambitious initiative, a comprehensive budget has been allocated for the execution of a specialized work program over the next 18 months. This program incorporates cutting-edge seismic reprocessing—tailored to ensure more precise reservoir imaging—along with the acquisition of critical sea bottom data. Both companies are optimistic that these steps will significantly de-risk the exploration process.
Technical Aspects of the Work Program
The highlight of the JSAA includes the collaboration with TGS ASA, a renowned data provider in the energy sector. TGS will spearhead the reprocessing of approximately 6,167 square kilometers of original 3-D seismic data obtained in 2013, covering a substantial portion of the identified blocks. This initiative commenced on November 28, 2025, and is expected to yield crucial insights into the area's geological characteristics.
Additionally, the work program features new offshore sea bottom data acquisition. This undertaking involves a multi-faceted approach, including backscatter analysis and heat flow surveys, further enriching the understanding of the Harper Basin’s hydrocarbon potential.
The New Reconnaissance License
To support their joint exploratory ambitions, BluEnergies and TotalEnergies have also secured a new Reconnaissance License (LPRA-003) from the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA). This license covers an expansive area of approximately 8,924 square kilometers, enabling the two companies to solidify their collaborative efforts in the region.
Within this license, BluEnergies holds a 35% participating interest while TotalEnergies holds 65%. Under the terms of the license, both companies are mandated to implement a comprehensive work program, which includes advanced 3-D seismic data reprocessing and new data gathering efforts. The license is effective until June 30, 2027, effectively replacing BluEnergies’ previous Reconnaissance License, RL-002.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The groundwork for this partnership was laid back in October 2024 when BluEnergies, operating under the previous license RL-002, successfully reviewed the seismic data acquired from TGS. The analysis led to significant findings, positioning the company favorably for partnerships with major players in the industry. Subsequently, negotiations were conducted with several deepwater operators, culminating in an exclusive relationship with TotalEnergies established in July 2025.
The successful execution of this agreement not only highlights BluEnergies' commitment to advancing its exploration strategies but also underscores TotalEnergies' focus on expanding its offshore operations. As the companies move forward, the outcomes of their explorations could have a profound impact on local economies and contribute significantly to the energy landscape of the region.
In conclusion, the partnership between TotalEnergies and BluEnergies signifies a promising trajectory for offshore exploration in Liberia. With mutual goals and advanced technology, the potential implications of their collaborative efforts could reshape the future of energy in West Africa.