TotalEnergies Secures 4 Offshore Permits in Liberia, Expanding West Africa Exploration Portfolio
TotalEnergies signed four Production Sharing Contracts on September 17, 2025, for offshore exploration blocks LB-6, LB-11, LB-17, and LB-29 in Liberia, covering 12,700 square kilometers in the southern Liberia Basin and marking the French major’s return to the country’s hydrocarbon frontier after a decade-long hiatus. This enterprise move, awarded through the 2024 Direct Negotiation Licensing Round, includes a firm 3D seismic survey commitment, positioning TotalEnergies to lead Liberia’s revival as a West African exploration hub with potential for large-scale discoveries.
TotalEnergies, with its $200 billion African portfolio, brings deepwater expertise from neighboring basins like Ghana’s Jubilee field (producing 100,000 bpd) and Côte d’Ivoire’s Baleine development. Senior Vice-President Exploration Kevin McLachlan stated, “We’re enthusiastic to resume activities in offshore Liberia, diversifying our high-potential portfolio.”
The permits complement TotalEnergies’ West African operations, including Nigeria’s Egina and Akpo fields (400,000 bpd combined). Liberia’s basin, underexplored since ExxonMobil’s 2013-2016 campaign, holds 1 billion barrel potential per LPRA estimates. TotalEnergies’ seismic program, starting Q1 2026, will map stratigraphic traps, with drilling eyed for 2027 if prospects emerge.
The deal intensifies competition in West Africa’s offshore space. ExxonMobil pre-qualified for Liberia blocks in 2023, while Oranto Petroleum explores nearby. TotalEnergies’ $5 billion annual exploration budget gives it an edge, with the 4 blocks adding 20% to its African acreage. Local enterprise benefits include training for 200 Liberian technicians and $50 million in supply chain contracts. TotalEnergies’ Liberia entry is a bold enterprise bet on West Africa’s next oil chapter, empowering local builders in exploration services.
