TotalEnergies spuds deepwater Venus
TotalEnergies has spudded the Venus-1X exploration well offshore Namibia, in Block 2913B.
E&P
Zenith, ADM square off over Barracuda claims
Zenith Energy and ADM Energy appear set to clash over an oilfield offshore Nigeria, with both companies laying claim to a stake in it.
Seplat eyes Exxon move in Nigeria
Seplat Energy has confirmed it is engaged in talks on acquiring ExxonMobil’s shallow water business in Nigeria.
Mozambique launches sixth licence round
Mozambique has launched its sixth licensing round in an online and in person event, which will run until August 31, 2022.
TotalEnergies sets out solar, North Gialo plan for Libya
TotalEnergies has signed a solar power plan in Libya, in addition to setting out plans for the Waha concession.
Pharos starts initial drilling campaign in Egypt
Pharos Energy has restarted drilling in Egypt at the El Fayum concession, the company has declared.
SDX begins second drilling phase in Morocco
SDX Energy has begun drilling in Morocco, launching the second phase of its 2021 campaign.
Tullow tips Lake Albert for 2022 launch, exits Suriname blocks
Uganda’s Parliament may not approve the Lake Albert development until the end of the year, pushing the final investment decision (FID) into early 2022.
FAR spuds well offshore Gambia
Australia’s FAR has begun drilling the Bambo-1 exploration well, offshore The Gambia.
Tullow pre-empts Kosmos deal off Ghana
Tullow Oil has pre-empted the sale of Occidental Petroleum’s stake in the Jubilee and TEN fields to Kosmos Energy, in Ghana.
Aiteo mobilising to tackle major Bayelsa oil spill
Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Co. (AEEPCo) has reported a major spill in the Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
CNOOC takes FID on Uganda’s Kingfisher
CNOOC Uganda has confirmed a final investment decision (FID) for the Kingfisher field, marking another step forward for the Lake Albert development.
Invictus completes seismic shoot on Cabora Bassa
Invictus Energy has completed its 2D seismic survey on Zimbabwe’s Cabora Bassa, exceeding its licence commitments.
Eni scores Western Desert hat trick
Eni has discovered a more resources in Egypt’s Western Desert, in keeping with its plans to deliver production to market quickly.
Tullow names ex-MTN man as new chairman
Tullow Oil has appointed Phuthuma Nhleko, ex-CEO of MTN Group, as its next non-executive chairman.
ReconAfrica completes seismic shoot
Reconnaissance Energy Africa has completed its 2D seismic shoot in northeast Namibia and pushed back drill plans slightly.
Higher oil prices pay off for Maurel
Maurel et Prom has reported production slipping 5% in the first nine months of the year, even while revenues increased 42%.
Opportunities for new operators in West Africa
As majors shift out of mature West African assets, new opportunities may attract large independents to enter the area.
BW Energy starts up Tortue Phase 2
BW Energy has begun producing from its Tortue Phase 2 project, in Gabon’s Dussafu Marin licence.
Lekoil suspended amid subsidiary spat
Lekoil has finally posted its accounts for 2020, taking an impairment of more than $100 million on a Nigerian asset and acknowledging going concern worries.
Tatneft returns to Libya after 10-year pause
Tatneft has relaunched operations in Libya, starting work on an appraisal well in the Ghadames Basin.
SDX launches West Gharib drilling campaign
SDX Energy has begun its 12-well development campaign on the West Gharib concession, in Egypt’s Eastern Desert.
Eni to exit South Africa offshore oil block amid tech challenges
Eni is pulling out of plans to explore for oil with Sasol in a large block off South Africa’s southeast coast due to concerns over the technical challenges of drilling in deep waters, according to two people familiar with the decision.
Prince Harry vs ReconAfrica
Prince Harry has taken up the cause of protecting the Okavango Delta, calling for Reconnaissance Energy Africa to halt its work.
Kosmos makes Oxy move in Ghana
Kosmos Energy and Ghana National Petroleum Corp. (GNPC) have bought out Occidental Petroleum’s stake in the Jubilee and TEN fields.