OMV will help fund drilling of three wells next year on four exploratory blocks offshore Gabon from which it has agreed to acquire interests from operator Ophir Energy PLC, London.
The Austrian company will acquire 10% interests each in the Mbeli and Ntsina blocks and 30% each in the Gnondo and Manga blocks.
Ophir will remain operator and retain 70% interests in the Manga and Gnondo blocks and 40% in the Mbeli and Ntsina blocks, in which Petrobras holds 50% interests.
Work plans for 2014, in addition to the three wells, include 3D seismic surveys on all four blocks, which cover 12,000 sq km.
OMV will pay past costs and a promoted share of the well costs on the Padouck Deep well, a presalt test on the Ntsina Block; the Affanga Deep well in the Ogooue Delta play on the Gnondo Block; and the Okala presalt well on the Mbeli Block. OMV also will pay a promoted share of the cost of two additional wells and of the 3D seismic surveys.
Drilling of the Padouck Deep well is to begin in February.
