French Guiana

Nov. 11, 2009
Shell Exploration & Production France SAS acquired a 33% interest from Tullow Oil PLC in an exploration license off French Guiana, and Tullow said it expects to farm out more of its interest by the end of 2009.

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Nov. 11
– Shell Exploration & Production France SAS acquired a 33% interest from Tullow Oil PLC in an exploration license off French Guiana, and Tullow said it expects to farm out more of its interest by the end of 2009.

The sale, subject to approval by relevant French authorities, included an option for Shell to acquire a further 12% interest at a later date in the Guyana Maritime license. Tullow, which remains operator, said it has identified numerous leads on the block similar to giant Jubilee oil field off Ghana.

A 3,000 sq km 3D seismic survey started on the block in mid-September.

Meanwhile, Tullow said interpretation of 3D data recently shot on the Georgetown Block in Guyana continues with the maturation of several attractive stratigraphic prospects. And in Suriname, a five-well drilling program on the onshore Coronie block is to start by yearend 2009.