Uchenna Izundu
International Editor
LONDON, Feb. 11 -- Eni SPA has picked up 18 exploration leases off northern Alaska under Lease Sale 193 held Feb. 6 in Anchorage.
The blocks, described as having "high exploration potential," lie in 30-50 m of water in the Chukchi Sea. Of the 18 leases for which Eni was the highest bidder, 14 were joint bids with StatoilHydro AS, and the remaining 4 were solely Eni, the company said.
In Alaska, Eni owns 158 leases on the North Slope, and recently started development of Nikaitchuq oil field, its first project as an operator in the region.
The acquisition of the Alaskan blocks requires the approval of the local authorities before the deal can be finalized.
Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].
