Shell Signs New Deals with CNOOC, CNPC
Shell signed two offshore oil and gas Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) with CNOOC, and a PSC amendment with CNPC for a new development phase for the Changbei gas field in China. Shell has also entered an agreement with CNOOC for its participation in two Shell exploration blocks offshore Gabon, West Africa. The two offshore oil and gas PSCs with CNOOC are for blocks 62/02 and 62/17 in the Yinggehai Basin. Shell, as operator, will apply advanced seismic acquisition and processing technologies to conduct 3D seismic data surveys in the Yinggehai blocks. Shell will cover the costs for the acquisition of seismic data and will use advanced drilling technologies to drill exploration wells during the exploration phase.
Island Oil & Gas Begins Drilling Operations
Island Oil & Gas plc has spudded well 48/23-3 at Seven Heads West in the Celtic Sea offshore Ireland. The well is the first in its planned 2006 and 2007 drilling programs. Well 48/23-3 is designed to appraise a possible extension of the Upper Wealden gas sands that are producing gas in the 48/24-6 production well immediately to the east. The well, which is in a water depth of 329 feet, will be drilled to a planned total depth of 3,200 feet TVD ss. Island concluded a Sub-Area Equity Interest Assignment Agreement for the Seven Heads West area with Marathon International Petroleum Hibernia Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Marathon Seven Heads Limited (formerly Ramco Celtic Sea Ltd) in February 2006.
