Murphy Oil Corporation has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Murphy Australia Oil has agreed to acquire a 40% interest and become operator of an exploration permit in the Browse Basin offshore northwestern Australia from Finder Exploration.
The AC/P36 permit covers approximately one million acres and lies in water depths of 1,200 to 1,600 feet. The permit will be effective after receiving approval from the Australian government.
Claiborne Deming, president and CEO of Murphy Oil Corporation, said: We are pleased to conclude this farm-in arrangement and gain entry into the Browse Basin, a significant hydrocarbon province with remaining large field potential. This acreage is covered with 3D seismic and holds a number of attractive already defined prospects that we hope to start drilling in late 2008.
This acreage acquisition is important as it not only marks our entry into Australia where we see further growth opportunities but complements our existing southeast Asia position which is already yielding strong results in Malaysia. We look forward to seeing our presence grow in this strategic region.