Towards achieving a broader campaign to explore in Africa, Total is to resume drilling offshore South Africa, a senior official told Energy-pedia.

Last year, the company put a stop to drilling activities due to mechanical problems with its rig during high winds and rough seas in the Outeniqua Basin, about 175 km off the southern coast of South Africa.

“Our plan is to drill next year but only if those conditions are met. I think it is better to think second half than first half,” Kevin Mclachlan, Total's senior vice president for exploration said adding that the company intended to drill between 10 to 15 wells across the continent including Nigeria and Angola, over the next three years.

Total operates Block 11B/12B where it holds a 50% stake with CNR International an affiliated company of Canadian Natural Resources.