Tullow-led group seeks license extension offshore Mauritania

April 25, 2017
Sterling Energy says the Tullow Oil-led venture is in discussions with Mauritania’s government on next-phase operations for the offshore C-10 block.

Offshore staff

LONDONSterling Energy says the Tullow Oil-led venture is in discussions with Mauritania’s government on next-phase operations for the offshore C-10 block.

This covers an area of around 8,025 sq km (3,098 sq mi) in water depths of 50-2,400 m (164-7,874 ft) within the Nouakchott sub-basin.

Phase 2 is due to expire in November – the partnership is seeking dispensation from a requirement to spud an exploration well prior to entering the three-year Phase 3, where the minimum work obligation would be for two further wells.

C-10 is close to Kosmos Energy’s deepwater C-8 block, site of numerous large gas discoveries of Cenomanian age.

Kosmos and new partner BP are continuing exploration of the Cenomanian/Albian play with a new focus on proving an oil fairway, adjacent to the northwestern boundary of C-10, through four potentially high-impact exploration wells.

The first of these on theYakaar prospect started drilling in late March.

Sterling is also partners with Premier Oil, Petronas, Tullow Oil, SMHPM, and Kufpec in the declining offshoreChinguetti oil field.

Production is stored on the FPSOBerge Helene. During 1Q, one cargo was lifted totaling 41,950 bbl net to Sterling.

The partners continue discussions with Mauritania’s government on how best to manage current operations in the run-up to decommissioning and abandonment.

04/25/2017