Negotiations for several Angolan exploration licenses are progressing, despite recent civil war.
Five groups may win production sharing agreements by yearend, predicts Wood Mackenzie Consultants Ltd., Edinburgh.
A group led by FINA Petroleos de Angola is negotiating for Cabinda South onshore block. Because guerillas captured much of the Cabinda enclave, it is unlikely exploration will begin until security improves.
Chevron Corp. is leading discussions over Block 14 an offshore extension of Chevron's onshore Cabinda acreage. The existing concession covers water as deep as 200 m. Block 14 extends into deeper water.
A group led by Exxon Corp. is pursuing Block 15, and a provisional award has been made, Wood Mackenzie said.
Block I was licensed to a consortium led by Agip SpA in 1982, which drilled 12 wells during 4 years without major success. In May Shell International Petroleum Co. Ltd. agreed to take on operatorship of the license. A production sharing agreement was due to be signed last month, becoming effective Sept. 1, Wood Mackenzie said.
Texaco Inc. is in line to operate Block 9. Norsk Hydro has a 20% stake. The remaining 30% was held by OMY AG, Vienna, which recently withdrew from the group. A replacement partner is reportedly being sought.
Meanwhile, a group led by Ranger Oil Ltd., Calgary, plans to drill its next well early in 1994 near a discovery on Block 4. Several drillable structures have been identified from existing seismic, and a 400 sq km 3D seismic survey will help determine future locations for drilling.
The discovery flowed 4,600 b/d of 28 gravity oil. Total depth is 3,677 m (OGJ, Aug. 23, p. 21).
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