Three announcements point to continued interest in offshore exploration, with activity spanning Newfoundland and Labrador, Namibia and Israel.
Shell has submitted bids totalling approximately US$150 million for six offshore exploration licences in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The bids strengthen the company’s position in an Atlantic Canadian region that continues to attract international operators.
In Namibia, QatarEnergy has agreed to acquire a 25% interest in PEL82, offshore Namibia, from Chevron. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval. Chevron will remain operator with a 55% interest, while Namcor E&P and Custos Energy will each hold 10%. The licence covers approximately 11,444 km² in water depths of 350 to 2,300 metres.
Meanwhile, Murphy Oil has secured six exploration licences in Israel’s Zone G, covering around 1,700 km² offshore, approximately 25 kilometres southwest of the Leviathan gas field. Murphy will operate the licences with a 50% interest, alongside Ratio Energies. The companies are expected to evaluate the area through a work programme that includes seismic surveys and exploration wells.
