Statoil fails to find oil off Angola

Genel Energy plc has announced that the Statoil-operated Dilolo-1 exploration well on Block 39 offshore Angola is in the process of being plugged and abandoned after failing to encounter hydrocarbons.

Although further studies are needed in order to fully understand the results, the well has provided a useful calibration for other prospects on Block 39, Genel has explained.

Genel Energy, lead by Tony Hayward, a former CEO of BP, has 7.5% working interest in Block 39. Statoil is the operator (37.5%), and its partners include Total (7.5%), WRG (15%), Ecopetrol (10%), Sonangol P&P (30%).

The Stena Carron drillship will now move to the Statoil-run Block 38 (Genel 7.5% working interest) to spud the Jacaré-1 exploration well.

In July 2014, Statoil divested its shares in blocks 38 and 39 in the Kwanza basin offshore Angola.