Falklands exploration revival

Offshore staff

Rockhopper Exploration has updated its exploration activity offshore the Falkland Islands. The company, which started trading in February 2004, claims to be the largest acreage holder in the North Falkland Basin, with 100% interest in four production licenses covering an area of 5,800 sq km.

In license PL024, Geophysical Service Incorporated will shortly undertake a new 2D seismic survey over 900 line km. Rockhopper also plans a 3D survey over PL032 and PL033, where two wells were drilled by Shell in 1998.

The company has also reinterpreted existing 2D and 3D seismic. Any leads should be better defined once the new data is available. Rockhopper expects to participate in a three-well campaign next year in licenses PL03 and PL04, operated by Desire Petroleum, assuming a rig can be secured.

12/7/05