TotalEnergies secures four exploration permits offshore Liberia

France’s energy supermajor TotalEnergies has signed Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) for four deepwater blocks offshore Liberia, marking the company’s return to frontier exploration in West Africa.

Offshore blocks LB-6, LB-11, LB-17 and LB-29 were awarded following the direct negotiation licensing round organised by the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Agency, the global integrated energy company announced in a press statement on September 17.

The four blocks are located in the south of the Liberia Basin, covering an area of approximately 12,700 km². According to TotalEnergies, the upcoming work programme includes acquiring one firm 3D seismic survey.

“TotalEnergies is enthusiastic to be part of the resumption of exploration activities in offshore Liberia,” Senior Vice President for Exploration at TotalEnergies Kevin McLachlan said in the statement. “Entering these blocks aligns with our strategy of diversifying our Exploration portfolio in high-potential new oil-prone basins. These areas hold significant potential for prospects that have the potential for large-scale discoveries that lead to cost-effective, low-emission developments, leveraging the company’s proven expertise in deepwater operations.”

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) commended TotalEnergies for its commitment to investing in African oil and gas exploration and production (E&P). In a press release following the French company’s announcement, the Chamber said it considered the award of PCSs a key step towards unlocking new hydrocarbon resources in West Africa.

According to the AEC, Liberia’s offshore acreage, including the Liberia and Harper Basins, already benefits from a strong dataset generated through collaboration between the government and energy data specialist TGS. This includes over 24,000 km² of 2D and 26,000 km² of 3D seismic data, which will support exploration campaigns by TotalEnergies and other operators.

Liberia is seen as a frontier market with considerable prospectivity in Lower and Upper Cretaceous plays, where multiple source rock intervals suggest strong petroleum potential. The AEC highlighted the country’s recent legislative reforms, including amendments to the Exploration and Production Law in 2019, aimed to create a transparent, competitive environment and allow 100% cost recovery on pre-PSC seismic data.

The 2024 licensing round, which offered 29 blocks across the Liberia and Harper Basins, successfully attracted international interest, said the Chamber, with the new PSCs signalling confidence in Liberia’s long-term oil and gas prospects.

“The signing of these PSCs marks more than just a corporate milestone – it represents Liberia’s resurgence as a competitive frontier for oil and gas investment. TotalEnergies’ expertise, combined with the government’s proactive reforms, sets the stage for new discoveries, job creation and sustainable development,” said AEC’s Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk. “This moment underscores the importance of African nations driving exploration and unlocking their own resources, ensuring that energy security, prosperity and opportunity are realised by Liberians and by the wider West African region.”