The joint venture currently covers six offshore licenses – G.R17.NP, G.R18.NP, G.R19.NP, G.R20.NP, G.R21.NP and G.R22.NP covering a total area of 4,350 kilometers in which a 2,300 kilometers 2D seismic survey was recorded earlier in 2009.
Under the terms of the farm-out agreement, Shell hold 55% in G.R17.NP, G.R18.NP and G.R19.NP; and 70% in G.R20.NP, G.R21.NP and G.R22.NP. Northern Petroleum will continue as the operator during the seismic phase and Shell will assume operatorship for the drilling phase.
Commenting on the programme Derek Musgrove, managing director, Northern Petroleum, said “This progresses one of the most exciting areas for exploration and material growth for Northern Petroleum as well as significantly increased expenditure. Shell brings to this venture experience of exploration and production in the southern Italy part of the same Apennine-Mahgrebian Thrust Belt where the major oil fields of Val d’Agri and Tempa Rossa have been developed. The venture can also call upon their international major project and offshore expertise. If drilling is successful it could open up a whole new Western European and North African hydrocarbon province.”
