ExxonMobil is gearing up to spud its latest exploration probe offshore Eastern Canada as soon as May this year, according to federal government documentation.

Earlier this week, QatarEnergy farmed in to two promising blocks offshore Newfoundland & Labrador operated by the supermajor and on one of which an exploration well will be drilled within weeks.

A customs agent acting for the US supermajor applied for approval from the Canadian Transportation Agency for the Odfjell Drilling-managed semi-submersible drilling rig Hercules to start well operations on the Gale probe between 15 May and 15 November this year.