CNOOC to Join Shell in Gabon

Shell entered an agreement with CNOOC for its participation in two Shell exploration blocks offshore Gabon. Under the agreement CNOOC will have a 25% participating interest in offshore exploration blocks BC9 and BCD10. CNOOC will reimburse Shell for 25% of certain past exploration costs and carry part of the future exploration costs. Shell will remain operator with 75% interest.

The agreement is subject to government approval.

Lim Haw-Kuang, Executive Chairman of Shell Companies in China, said: “We are very pleased to have entered the farm-out agreement with CNOOC in Gabon. These new projects in partnership with Chinese companies are the latest showcase of our China strategy to work with our Chinese counterparts both in China and globally to help meet the country’s energy needs to fuel its fast growing economy.”

Shell also entered into several agreements with CNOOC and CNPC for operations in China.The company signed two offshore oil and gas PSCs with CNOOC, and a PSC amendment with CNPC for a new development phase for the Changbei gas field in China.

The two offshore oil and gas PSCs with CNOOC are for blocks 62/02 and 62/17 in the Yinggehai Basin. Shell, as operator, will apply advanced seismic acquisition and processing technologies to conduct 3D seismic data surveys in the Yinggehai blocks. Shell will cover the costs for the acquisition of seismic data and will use advanced drilling technologies to drill exploration wells during the exploration phase. Shell will hold a 100% working interest during the exploration phase, that will be reduced to 49% in any eventual development phase, with CNOOC as majority partner.

The onshore tight gas PSC amendment with CNPC represents a new phase for the development of the existing Changbei block with 1,692.5 sq km in the Ordos Basin, and adds scope to develop additional tight gas sands and further develop the already producing main reservoir. Subject to government approval and pending the outcome of the appraisal campaign, this additional development project could increase the current production plateau of 320 Mmscf/d. Shell will continue to be the operator at Changbei.