“These new interests illustrate Total’s commitment to continue strengthening its presence in Australia, where it is already conducting exploration operations in four deep offshore blocks,” a company statement said.

One agreement covers exploration blocks WA-303-P, WA-304-P and WA-305-P. BHP Billiton, US company Kerr-McGee, China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) and Total will each hold equal stakes in these blocks.

Under the other agreement with BHPB, Total and CNOOC will each own 25% of exploration permit WA-301-P, while BHPB will hold the remaining stake.

The blocks, which cover an area of 21,000 square kilometres about 300km off the coast, are in water about 2000m deep.

The partners plan to begin exploration activities next year.

Last month, CNOOC executive vice president Yang Hua expressed confidence in the “huge potential” of the zone.