Africa Oil, TotalEnergies walk away from Lokichar licence
Africa Oil did extract value from its Kenyan finds in 2016, though, with a partial sale to Maersk Oil, under which it received $427mn.
E&P
South Africa aims to tackle NGOs’ “veto power” on exploration
Mantashe made it clear that he blamed foreign-funded NGOs for the slow process of development. “They block development in our country”.
Total sets out drilling plans for South Africa’s Orange Basin
The Department of Mineral Resources (DMRE) accepted the scoping report on March 24.
Azule issues tenders for subsea work at PAJ
Azule signed the main contracts for the Agogo project on Block 15/06 in February. It awarded riser and flowline supply to TechnipFMC, while Subsea 7 won transportation and installation work.
ReconAfrica seeks partner to catalyse drilling plans
“From a market perspective, there’s a lot more interest in buying barrels at the right price, but there’s still appetite for exploration, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.”
Shell sees off Bonga case at Supreme Court
“The claimants’ lawyers spent five years and eight hearings to pursue this matter, disregarding the court’s time and costs. With no further right of appeal, this judgment brings an end to the claims here in England," a Shell representative said.
Afentra completes INA deal, eyes on Sonangol next
The licence extension was a condition for Afentra’s deal with Sonangol. The company agreed in April 2022 to pay $80mn for a 20% stake in Block 3/05. At the time, Afentra said it expected the deal to complete in the third quarter of 2022.
Big fields get bigger: Kosmos focuses on Jubilee near term
“The first well in the main field is starting up shortly. The build up to 110,000 bpd is clearly laid out and the activity set is on plan. The well rates are consistent – and slightly ahead of pre-drill estimates.”
Unesco wildlife park targeted for oil exploration in Zimbabwe
One of Africa’s premier wildlife areas has been targeted for oil exploration.
Invictus declares oil find in Zimbabwe
The company found high API oil or condensate in the shallower Upper Angwa reservoirs. Deeper in the reservoir, the CGR becomes lower. The shallower levels are around 135 barrels per 1,000 cubic feet, decreasing to 30 barrels at the deeper.
Galp signs up rig for Orange Basin test
The Hercules is undergoing a special survey in Norway ahead of mobilisation to Canada. After Canada, it will re-cross the ocean and head to Namibia.
BP dishes out subsea work on Egypt’s Raven infill
The alliance will provide engineering, transport and installation of approximately six km of flexible pipes, umbilical and associated subsea structures. The company will carry out the work in water depths of around 800 metres.
Perenco sets out Gabon gas-to-power growth plans
Signing the MoU in early April, Gabon said Perenco was investing around $40 million in infrastructure. Gabon Power will put in around $84mn.
Total plans out seventh FPSO for Angola
US-listed Cobalt International Energy initially explored the blocks. Total bought into the assets in 2019 from Sonangol, following Cobalt’s bankruptcy.
NOC shuts down Mellitah for maintenance
NOC said it had made “all necessary arrangements” to make up for the loss of gas during the downtime.
Sasol scores Mozambique gas find
The licence is adjacent to the Pande and Temane fields. The Bonito well is the second drilled in the licence. The first failed to find hydrocarbons.
Impact raises cash to stay in the game offshore Namibia
Total spudded the Venus-1A well on March 4. It will also re-enter the original discovery and test both wells.
SDX raises going concern worries on Egypt currency woes
Despite the problems, the chair said SDX was working on a “foundation from which to grow”. The company is considering moves into new areas, such as “transition fuels and alternative energies, to deliver long term sustainable returns to shareholders”.
Tullow, Perenco swap Gabon assets
Appraisal drilling in the DE8 licence is also under way. Tullow said this could begin producing oil via Tchatamba infrastructure before the end of 2023. There are also more ILX opportunities on the DE8 licence.
Capricorn sets out cash return plans to shareholders, UK sales
The most significant step will be a special dividend of $575 million. The first tranche will come in May, with a return of around $450mn. A second payment of $100mn will come in the fourth quarter.
Ghana volumes slide, with drilling delayed and Eni waiting
PIAC reported that total petroleum revenues to the government reached $1.43 billion in 2022, the highest on record. However, production declined to 51.76 million barrels in the year, around 142,000 barrels per day, down 6% from 2021.
Exxon applies for Liberia blocks
Exxon has explored in Liberia in the past. It acquired the rights to Block 13 in 2013 and drilled the Mesurado-1 well in 2016.
Minister urges Nigeria to end fight with Eni, Shell over lucrative block
A senior Nigerian minister urged the country’s president to end a long-running dispute with Eni and Shell to allow the companies to finally develop a prized deepwater oil licence.
Aker Energy submits Pecan plan, sells out to AFC
Amoah said the company had faced “significant challenges” at its project. “We have shown once again our resilience and unflinching commitment to the project."
CGG sets out seismic plan offshore South Africa
CGG aims to carry out the work in the 2023-24 summer window, with seismic taking around four or five months to complete.