Genel Energy’s move into Angola’s offshore sector has been cemented with a deal with White Rose Energy Ventures to acquire 15% equity in Blocks 38 and 39.

Genel said the deal, through which with White Rose it acquires 15% in both blocks, provides a position in licenses which hold “...multi-billion barrel exploration opportunity,” according to the company.

Drillship Stena Carron has been contracted for an exploration program across both blocks, with the first well due to spud mid-year in block 39 targeting the “very material” Dilolo prospect, according to Genel.