Leading U.S. energy firm, Marathon Oil Corporation ( MRO ) has inked a farm-out agreement with Total Gabon, marking a re-emergence in the West African country of Gabon. Marathon quit its operations in the country in 2009, with the sale of its interests in three offshore production blocks – Tchatamba Marin, Tchatamba South and Tchatamba West. Per the terms, Marathon Upstream Gabon Limited – an affiliate of Marathon Oil – will take over a 21.25% working interest in the Diaba License G4-223 and its associated permit. Located about 31.1 miles from the southern coast of Gabon and at water depths of 328.1 feet to 11,482.9 feet, the Diaba license spans over an area of approximately 3,503.9 square miles. Following this deal, Total Gabon will continue to act as the operator of the license with 42.50% interest. The other partners in the holding are CIE Gabon Diaba Ltd. (21.25% stake) – a unit of Cobalt International Energy ( CIE ) and the Republic of Gabon (15% interest).