Encouraging: Falkland Islands director of mineral resources Phyl Rendell
Seismic player sounds out Falklands
A seismic contractor has applied to shoot a speculative survey on unlicensed acreage off the Falkland Islands, demonstrating more interest in the oil potential of the South Atlantic islands.
The application from an as-yet unnamed company comes about two weeks before the start of the first oil exploration campaign off the islands in 12 years.
It is understood that some operators with existing acreage are also looking at the possibility of piggy-backing the vessel for shoots on their acreage.
Speaking to UpstreamOnline last night, the Falkland Islands Government’s director of mineral resources Phyl Rendell said the application was still at a very early stage and refused to be drawn on what companies were involved.
However, she added: “It is very encouraging that new companies are showing interest in our acreage.”
The news was flagged in a report of a Falkland Islands Executive Council extraordinary meeting by Port Stanley-based newspaper Penguin News.
The newspaper reported that the council advised the application should be accepted.
Seismic surveys in Falkland Island waters can only go ahead under licence with the government.
Drilling by the Ocean Guardian semi-submersible on the first well of the new exploration campaign on Desire Petroleum’s Liz prospect is set to begin mid-month
To read more on the Falkland Islands exploration, see today’s edition Upstream.