French supermajor Total has chartered a pair of rigs from Danish driller Maersk Drilling for an upcoming exploration programme on acreage off Suriname that has already yielded a series of large oil discoveries.

Maersk confirmed on Tuesday it has been handed a conditional letter of award from Total to supply its deep-water rigs Maersk Developer and Maersk Valiant for an exploration and appraisal campaign on Suriname’s Block 58.

The campaign is scheduled to kick off early next year, with the contract anticipated to have a firm period of 500 days and Maersk estimating the total contract value at about $100 million, including upgrades and integrated services.

“We’re delighted to get this opportunity to add further to our long-standing relationship with Total through a two-rig contract, building on our previous collaboration on deep-water exploration projects and on Maersk Drilling’s recent experience with starting up operations in Suriname for Maersk Developer,” Maersk Drilling chief operating officer Morten Kelstrup said.

The letter of award is still conditional on the finalisation of formal contracts, as well as a number of other conditions.

It was confirmed earlier this month that Total was closing in on securing the two rigs for the upcoming exploration and appraisal campaign, which will include a wildcat on the BonBoni prospect.

The campaign is also expected to include appraisal wells on the previous Kwaskwasi, Maka Central and Sapakara discoveries.

Total struck a deal last year with Apache to gain a 50% operated interest in Block 58, with the US company to maintain a 50% non-operated share.

Exploration

Total takes Maersk rig duo for Suriname drilling campaign