Seismic acquisition programme

BowLeven Plc
21 December 2004

                For embargoed release at 7a.m. 21 December 2004

                   BowLeven plc ('BowLeven' or 'the Company')

           Seismic acquisition programme commences ahead of schedule

BowLeven announces today that its seismic acquisition programme for block MLHP-7
within its Etinde Permit, offshore Cameroon, will commence on 21st December, one
month ahead of schedule. Operations will last approximately three weeks.  The
Company has signed a contract with WesternGeco, one of the top seismic
companies, under which 575 sq km of 3D seismic data will be acquired.  This work
will be carried out by the MV Western Regent, a state of the art seismic vessel.

Interpretation of the new seismic data, together with the existing seismic
database, will position the Company to commence its 2005 drilling programme,
which will involve the drilling of up to three exploration and/or appraisal
wells during 2005.

The Company also announces that following its recent admission to AIM, it will
announce its results for the 12 months to 30 June 2004 on 5th January 2005. The
AGM will be held on 31st January.

Commenting on the news, Terry Heneaghan, Executive Chairman, said:

'The early commencement of the seismic programme will ensure that we are well
positioned to begin our drilling programme in 2005 on the Etinde Permit to
further enhance our reserves base.  I am hopeful that we can start drilling
during the second quarter of 2005'.

For further information contact:

BowLeven plc
Terry Heneaghan                                 [phone]

Financial Adviser
Noble & Company
Joe Philipsz, Adam Westcott or Rory Boyd        [phone]



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