BPC Limited and StatoilHydro to Reopen Bahamian...
PERTH, Australia, May 18 /PRNewswire/ --
- Venture Marks First Major Bahamian Exploration Project in 22 Years
Energy exploration company, BPC Limited (THE COMPANY: (AIM: 'BPC')) today
announced a new offshore joint venture with Norway's StatoilHydro (OSE:
'STL', NYSE: STO) to launch the first major exploration project in Bahamian
waters since 1986.
A competent persons report, published last year, stated that there could
be multiple 500 MMBOE oil fields in 18 leads recognized in BPC's southern
Bahamas licenced area (source: Competent Person's Report by Moyes & Co., Inc.
contained in BPC's AIM admission document, August 2008). The CPR evaluated
BPC's licenced area adjacent to and along trend of the 'JV' area.
Additionally, a U.S. Geological Survey (2008; Report DDS-69-M) study of
the offshore northwest Cuba Basin estimates a potential of 7-14 billion
barrels equivalent (oil and gas) of undiscovered resources.
Exploration Vice President Erik Finnstrom, StatoilHydro states "This
joint venture strengthens StatoilHydro's position in this attractive
exploration region of the northern Caribbean."
Joint Agreement with StatoilHydro
The licences included in this joint venture agreement with StatoilHydro
("Joint Agreement" or "JV") are new licence areas for BPC in the south west
of The Bahamas and are still under application pending the approval of the
Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The "JV" area is adjacent to
four wholly owned licenses held by BPC in The Bahamas, as well as near an
existing license held by StatoilHydro in adjacent Cuban waters.
The "JV" Agreement is conditional on the relevant new licences being
awarded to BPC and assignment with StatoilHydro. It is hoped the applications
will be processed before the end of 2009.
The last active exploration in the Bahamas was in 1987 by Tenneco,
whereas along trend in offshore Cuba the same petroleum system is the focus
of current exploration activity.
BPC's Chairman, Alan Burns said:
"We are delighted to partner with a respected industry leader like
StatoilHydro. It is testament to the prospects of the southern Bahamas and to
BPC's contacts and commitment to the region that a large business such as
StatoilHydro sees it as an important addition to their exploration portfolio.
The terms of this agreement will strengthen BPC's capital position and
eliminate the need for near-term fresh capital funding for the 'JV'.
Both companies are committed to preservation of the environment during
all phases of exploration and development.
StatoilHydro is an integrated technology-based, international energy
company, primarily focused on upstream oil and gas operations. The Norwegian
headquartered StatoilHydro, is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange and
Norway's Oslo exchange."
The technical information and opinions contained in this announcement
have been reviewed by Dr. Paul Crevello (University of Miami and Colorado
School of Mines), BPC's Chief Operating Officer who has in excess of 30 years
of experience in the oil exploration industry. He has consented to the
inclusion herein of such technical information and opinions.
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