In 2009, Maersk Oil made the Chissonga discovery in Block 16 and, after further appraisal, declared the discovery commercial in 2011.

Early 2012, Maersk Oil also made the Azul discovery in Block 23, which generated world-wide interest as it was the first positive well in the Angolan deepwater presalt.

Drilling on both Blocks 8 and 23 is scheduled to continue in 2013.

Chissonga appraisal drilling activity is ongoing aiming at providing a Field Development Plan due to be submitted for approval by the end of the year. In 2011 a two-year extension was granted to the contractor group on a work programme involving additional 3D seismic acquisition and further exploration drilling.

Maersk Oil has gained valid experience in planning and operating its first ever deepwater wells and since 2009 has drilled eight such offshore Angola. In the Kwanza Blocks, Maersk Oil is the front-runner in chasing the deepwater presalt play in the conjugate margin to Brazil. In Block 16, Maersk Oil is unlocking potential in a block that had been unsuccessful with several previous operators.

Maersk Oil entered Angola in 2005 with the acquisition of a 50% interest in the deepwater Block 16 covering some 4,900 km2 and with water depths up to 1,500 metres. It now holds a 65% interest, with partners Odebrecht (15%) and state oil company Sonangol (20%).

In 2006, Maersk Oil entered into Production Sharing Agreements for Blocks 8 and 23 with an Operated interest of 50%, with Svenska Petroleum (30%) and Sonangol (20%). The blocks lie in the offshore Kwanza basin south of Angola and cover a combined area of 9,780 km2 with water depth in Block 8 up to 500 metres and in Block 23 up to 1,500 metres. Total acreage is 14,702 km2.