TotalEnergies Sign Production Sharing Contracts with Liberia for Four Offshore Blocks

The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Agency (LPRA) and TotalEnergies issued a press release to announce that they have concluded a Production Sharing Contract (#PSC) for hydrocarbons at TotalEnergies’ headquarters in Paris on 15 September 2025. The PSC involves four contiguous offshore exploration blocks — namely, LB-6, LB-11, LB-17, and LB-29 — which has been awarded as a result of the Direct Negotiation Licensing Round initiated by LPRA in 2024.

The four blocks cover an area of approximately 12,700 square kilometers. TotalEnergies will commission a 3D seismic survey company to conduct finer data acquisition across these blocks. In fact, TotalEnergies has budgeted about USD 200 million initially for the project and has already spent USD 3.5 million to purchase available seismic data. Previously, the Government of Liberia contracted TBS to conduct seismic surveys in the Liberia and Harper Basins.

“TotalEnergies is enthusiastic to be part of the resumption of exploration activities in offshore Liberia. Entering these blocks aligns with our strategy of diversifying our Exploration portfolio in high-potential new oil-prone basins. These areas hold significant potential for prospects that have the potential for large-scale discoveries that lead to cost-effective, low-emission developments, leveraging the Company’s proven expertise in deepwater operations. 

TotalEnergies SVP Kevin McLachlan

The signing of the PSC with TotalEnergies ends a decade-long pause on Liberia’s offshore petroleum program, marks a positive turning point in the country’s energy future, and stands as a vote of confidence in the reforms we have undertaken to attract responsible operators.”

LPRA DG Marylin Logan

Prior to the 2024 Licensing Round, Liberia amended its Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production Law in order to render the process more transparent and attractive. Thus, the new law allows for a 100% cost-recovery on pre-#PSC seismic data to increase the comfort level of investors.

The 2024 Licensing Round placed on the market a total of 29 offshore blocks in the Liberia and Harper Basins. The blocks are of varying size and span both shallow and deepwater areas in order to fit the appetite of both small and big players.

As per the existing legal framework, the #PSC will have to go through the Legislature for scrutiny and ratification. Nevertheless, it marks a historic step after rather long lull in the oil and gas sector in Liberia.