Geophysical contractor Getech has received an extension of the deal for the provision of consultancy services to the Lebanese Petroleum Administration (LPA), in charge of managing the country’s petroleum sector.
To remind, the Lebanese government re-launched its first offshore oil and gas licensing round after a three-year delay in January 2017. The country offered five offshore blocks for bidding for oil and gas exploration.
Lebanon initially launched its first offshore licensing round in 2013 but failed to see it through due to political turmoil.
The Minister of Energy and Water in Lebanon, Cesar Abou Khalil , also announced a new prequalification round, which was designed to allow additional companies to join those who prequalified to take part in the bidding process in 2013. The deadline for the prequalification round was extended by two weeks during April and
According to the LPA, the primary objective of the pre-qualification round was to ensure that highly qualified companies were invited to participate in the first licensing round and that they subsequently may be awarded exclusive petroleum rights.
The results of the pre-qualification were announced on April 26, and all approved companies will be invited to submit bids for the open blocks by September 15.
Getech said that its wholly owned subsidiary, ERCL, would be supporting the Lebanese Ministry in this process.
Huw Edwards , director at Getech and ERCL, said: “ERCL initially commenced work with the Ministry of Energy & Water (MEW) in October 2010 with preparation for this first license round. We are delighted that with the re-launch our work supporting MEW and the LPA will continue through to the conclusion of the licensing round, towards the end of 2017. The blocks on offer look very prospective and have been well received by the prequalified companies.”