StatoilHydro has reached agreement with BPC Limited to become the operator of three offshore exploration licenses, Zapata, Islamorada and Falcones in the Cay Sal area of the south-western Bahamas.
Approval and award of the licenses by the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is still pending.
“There is no drilling commitment during the first phase of the license. At the end of the initial 3-year license term the license holders will have the option to commit to drilling a well in the second phase,” said Global Exploration vice president Erik Finnstrom.
Limited historic 2D seismic and satellite data indicate the presence of several large structures in the license areas. New seismic may prove the presence and shape of the structures. Oil is presently produced in northern Cuba, some 150 kilometres to the west.