Total begins drilling at its deepest offshore project

French oil company Total has started what it describes as an intensive drilling program at the Egina offshore project in Nigeria.

Total has said that two offshore drilling rigs will be kept busy for a total of 3,000 days, drilling 44 wells in water depths ranging between 1,400 and 1,700 meters. The drilling campaign started on December 12.

“This is the deepest offshore project ever operated by Total,” said Jean-Michel Guy, Executive General Manager of the Egina Project. “With production of 200,000 barrels per day, it will contribute significantly to achieving Total’s 2017 production objectives.”

Total has also promised that several thousand local jobs will be created and extensive local infrastructure (mainly yards) will be upgraded or built, contributing to Nigeria’s sustainable development.