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07/11/2018 News

Start of drilling Melnik-1 well on Han Asparuh Block in Bulgaria’s Black Sea

This is the third offshore exploration well on Block 1-21 Han Asparuh

November 7, 2018, Sofia. Total E&P Bulgaria B.V. and its partners OMV Offshore Bulgaria GmbH and Repsol Bulgaria B.V. start the drilling of the third exploration well on Block 1-21 Han Asparuh, named Melnik-1. It is located in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Bulgaria in the Black Sea, approximately 107 km east of Varna and 153 km from Bourgas.

The operation is mobilising the drillship Noble Globetrotter II (GT II) as for the previous two drilling campaigns. The logistics support continues to be provided from Port Lesport, Varna and the same supply vessels are deployed.

"Following the completion of the first two exploration wells – Polshkov-1 and Rubin-1 – this drilling is a new important moment for our operations in the Black Sea. It demonstrates our commitment to exploring the full hydrocarbon potential of the Han Asparuh Block”, commented Kevin Hannaford, General Manager of Total E&P Bulgaria.

Total E&P Bulgaria remains focused on operating responsibly, safely and efficiently offshore of Bulgaria.

About Total Exploration and Production in Bulgaria:

Total E&P Bulgaria B.V. (Bulgaria Branch) is a subsidiary of Paris-based global energy group Total S.A. Total’s Exploration & Production division is responsible for oil and natural gas exploration, development and production activities in more than 50 countries around the world. Total, together with partners Repsol and OMV, started the Han Asparuh project in July 2012. Total E&P Bulgaria B.V. has been the operator of the block since April 2014.

For further information on the activities of Total E&P Bulgaria, please contact:

Vassia Nikolovska

Legal and Corporate Affairs Adviser

Tel.: + (359) 2 904 7003

Email address: [email protected]