Offshore staff

CALGARY, Alberta -- India’s government has awarded Bengal Energy International a production-sharing contract for block CY-OSN-2009/1, 7-16 km (4.3-9.9 mi) offshore southeast India.

The block was issued under the country’s New Exploration Licensing Policy VIII bid round, and covers around 1,362 sq km (526 sq mi) in the Cauvery basin. Two-thirds of the concession is in water depths of less than 100 m (328 ft). Bengal operates with a 100% interest.

The company says it has already identified a large geological structure based on a review of existing 2D seismic data, with an areal extent of around 18,750 acres (7,588 ha). It plans to acquire and evaluate 3D seismic over the structure to improve definition and to assist its drilling plans.

Other operators with permits within 50 km (31 mi) of the block also have committed over $200 million to exploration over the next four years, Bengal points out.

Currently, there are 28 oil and gas fields in production in the Cauvery basin.

Bengal is committed to acquiring 81 sq km (31 sq mi) of 3D seismic and 310 km (192 mi) of new 2D data during the first four-years of the block’s seven-year exploration phases.


07/01/2010