Indonesia: BP awarded two Arafura Sea blocks

Nov. 22, 2011
BP PLC said it has been awarded 100% interests in the West Aru I and II production sharing contracts in the Arafura Sea in eastern Indonesia.

BP PLC said it has been awarded 100% interests in the West Aru I and II production sharing contracts in the Arafura Sea in eastern Indonesia.

The blocks lie 500 km southwest of the BP-operated North Arafura PSC and 200 km west of the Aru Island group in Maluku Province.

West Aru I covers 8,100 sq km and West Aru II covers 8,300 sq km, both in 200-2,500 m of water.

Including the award of four coalbed methane PSCs in Kalimantan and three conventional gas blocks in Papua, BP has gained access to 69 license blocks in 11 countries since October 2010. The company plans to double its capital spending on exploration worldwide within a few years.