BP Exploration has awarded Technip and its subsidiary Angoflex two major frame agreements for oilfield projects in Angola.

The agreements are part of BP’s deepwater development programme in the African country and each frame agreement is worth around 80 million euros (£64 million).

Two contracts for the development of the Plutao, Saturno, Venus and Marte fields have been awarded to the group at depths of 1,800 to 2,100 metres.

BP's call off contracts, which include the aforementioned deals, for its deepwater development program in Angola are now valued at 460 million euros.

In related news, Angola is to be the new chair of the organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries as from January 1st 2009.

Angolan oil minister Desiderio Costa is due to take the position.

The country became a member of the cartel at the 143rd meeting of the organisation on December 14th 2006, which was held in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.

5th Global Education and Training event for Oil and Gas: Exploration and Production