The state-controlled operator has so far drilled nine probes at Libra, mostly focusing on the north-western section of the field, and intends to spud two more wells in the area by the end of 2017, when the company is due to file a declaration of commerciality.

Nevertheless, Petrobras still intends to drill six more appraisal wells at Libra from 2018 to 2019, this time directing the Seadrill drillships West Tellus and West Carina to the central and south-eastern structures.

Frederic Maubeuge, Total’s deputy general manager of exploration and technical skills with the Libra project team, said the central and south-east portions of Libra have different fluid and pressure conditions than the north-west and still need further work to increase understanding of them.

Petrobras has also committed to reprocess seismic data and shoot a new 3D seismic survey covering about 1100 square kilometres in the Libra NW area in early 2017.