The CLOV floating production storage and offloading unit recently started up at the block which was already home to the Girassol, Dalia and Pazflor FPSOs.

Total said the CLOV start-up made Block 17 its most prolific site with production of over 700,000 barrels per day.

"Block 17 is a global benchmark in the deep offshore and represents a unique industrial adventure, with 15 discoveries and a very high level of production," Total exploration and production president Arnaud Breuillac said.

"Thanks to the commitment of our teams and a number of technological world firsts over the past 14 years, the production of Block 17 has continuously ramped up."

Total operates Block 17 (40%) which is also shared by Statoil (23.33%), ExxonMobil (20%) and BP (16.67%).