Shell assumes interest, operatorship of blocks offshore South Africa

BG International, a Royal Dutch Shell PLC subsidiary, is operator of the Transkei & Algoa exploration right (Exploration Right 12/3/252) with a 50% interest following the close of a deal with Impact Oil & Gas Ltd. subsidiary Impact Africa Ltd.

The blocks cover about 45,838 sq km offshore eastern South Africa in water depths up to 3,000 m.

The license was initially awarded to Impact Africa as a technical cooperation permit in 2012, followed by an application for an exploration right, which was granted in 2014.

The South African government has granted a second renewal period of the license for a 2-year exploration period which began in August. Shell and Impact will proceed with the acquisition of about 6,000 sq km of 3D seismic in 2022.

Shell is operator in Transkei & Algoa with 50% interest. Impact Africa holds the remaining 50%.