Total to take operatorship of Elk-Antelope field

March 2, 2015
Total SA has been unanimously voted operator of the joint venture operating Elk-Antelope gas field in petroleum retention license 15 in the eastern highlands of Papua New Guinea.

Total SA has been unanimously voted operator of the joint venture operating Elk-Antelope gas field in petroleum retention license 15 in the eastern highlands of Papua New Guinea.

The move follows the defeat last month of legal action taken by Oil Search Ltd. and its Pac LNG Group Co. affiliates against Total’s purchase of a 40.1% interest in the permit from previous operator InterOil Corp. (OGJ Online, Feb. 11, 2015; Mar. 26, 2014;). The International Chamber of Commerce arbitration panel in London dismissed Oil Search’s claim that it had preemptive rights over shares in the field.

Total’s appointment as new operator will take place through an operator transition plan in the terms of the JV operating agreement and is subject to approvals from the Papua New Guniea government.

Oil Search has accepted the arbitration decision and says it is willing to work constructively with Total and its other JV partners towards the development of the Elk-Antelope resource as soon as possible.