Total discovers major gas field in Azerbaijan's section of Caspian Sea

The Total Company (France) has discovered a major gas field at the
Absheron block at the Azerbaijan's sector of the Caspian Sea, RIA
Novosti reports.

Marc Blaizot, Executive Vice-President for Exploration, said that the
area is rich with resources. It contains trillions of cubic feet of
gas and condensate.

A borehole is located 6,550 meters deep. Deeper drilling will be
organized in the future.

The Absheron area is located 100 km from Baku at a depth of 500 meters.

Total has been operating in Azerbaijan since 1996. The company holds
40% of the project's share. 40% belongs to the State Oil Company of
the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) and 20% to Gaz de France SUEZ
(France).