Total has acquired a 50% stake and operatorship of Block 11B/12B in frontier deep water offshore South Africa.

The French operator bought the interest from CNR International (South Africa) Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., for an undisclosed amount. The licence lies in the Outeniqua Basin, around 175 km off the southern coast, and covers an area of 19,000 sq km in water depths ranging from 200-1,800 m (656-5,906 ft).

Total says it will drill an exploration well on the block next year. “Our acquisition in this extensive frontier exploration asset demonstrates our determination to establish ourselves in new plays. South Africa’s deep offshore, in particular the Outeniqua Basin, is one of the few remaining under-explored offshore regions in Africa. Recent discoveries in the Falkland Islands together with the prospects identified on the block offer us very promising opportunities,” said Marc Blaizot, senior vice president, exploration at Total.

“The results of the upcoming exploration well will be decisive, especially in terms of operability of the area in such a harsh environment.”