Deep-water drilling issues lead Eni to halt plans to partner with Sasol
Oil companies have also been frustrated by delays in passing SA’s draft oil exploration and production law
13 October 2021 - 15:56
by Antony Sguazzin and Alberto Brambilla
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Eni is pulling out of plans to explore for oil with Sasol in a large block off SA’s southeast coast due to concerns over the technical challenges of drilling in deep waters, according to two people familiar with the decision.
The people asked not to be identified as the matter is private.
The companies partnered in 2014 to drill the ER236 exploration permit off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, with Eni taking a 40% stake and becoming operator. Sasol won the rights to explore the block from the Petroleum Agency of SA in 2013.
An Eni spokesperson declined to comment. A Sasol spokesperson also declined to comment.
Aside from technical difficulties of drilling for hydrocarbons in waters of between 1km and 3km deep, oil companies have also been frustrated by delays in passing SA’s draft oil exploration and production law. The Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Bill, which would give clarity on how the country’s nascent oil and gas industry would be regulated, is unlikely to be finalised for at least another year, despite the government’s call to fast-track the process.
Bloomberg News. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Deep-water drilling issues lead Eni to halt plans to partner with Sasol
Oil companies have also been frustrated by delays in passing SA’s draft oil exploration and production law
Eni is pulling out of plans to explore for oil with Sasol in a large block off SA’s southeast coast due to concerns over the technical challenges of drilling in deep waters, according to two people familiar with the decision.
The people asked not to be identified as the matter is private.
The companies partnered in 2014 to drill the ER236 exploration permit off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, with Eni taking a 40% stake and becoming operator. Sasol won the rights to explore the block from the Petroleum Agency of SA in 2013.
An Eni spokesperson declined to comment. A Sasol spokesperson also declined to comment.
Aside from technical difficulties of drilling for hydrocarbons in waters of between 1km and 3km deep, oil companies have also been frustrated by delays in passing SA’s draft oil exploration and production law. The Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Bill, which would give clarity on how the country’s nascent oil and gas industry would be regulated, is unlikely to be finalised for at least another year, despite the government’s call to fast-track the process.
Bloomberg News. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
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