Noble Energy Inc. has signed an agreement to sell natural gas from Tamar gas field offshore Israel to businesses in Jordan.
Gas supply has been a problem for Jordan since 2011, when deliveries from Egypt through the Arab Gas Pipeline began to be interrupted by Egyptian political unrest.
Under the agreement between NBL Eastern Mediterranean Marketing Ltd., Arab Potash Co., and Jordan Bromine Co., deliveries from Tamar will begin in 2016, once minor pipeline work is complete, to Arab Potash and Jordan Bromine facilities near the Dead Sea. Both companies are based in Amman. The contract, with a 15-year initial term, provides for total gross supply of about 66 bcf at a priced based on a floor level of $6.50/Mcf with upside linked to Brent crude oil.
Noble operates Tamar field with a 36% working interest. Other interest owners are Isramco Negev 2, 28.75%; Delek Drilling and Avner Oil Exploration, 15.625% each; and Dor Gas Exploration, 4%.
Keith Elliott, Noble Energy senior vice-president, Eastern Mediterranean, said the company is negotiating to sell “significant quantities of natural gas” from Tamar and offshore Leviathan field “to multiple customers.”
Noble Energy estimates Tamar has discovered resources of 10 tcf.
