Nido Enters Three Blocks Offshore Indonesia

Nido Petroleum Limited has executed three separate Farm-in Agreements with Lundin Petroleum B.V. to participate in the Gurita, Baronang and Cakalang PSCs located in the Penyu and West Natuna basins, offshore in the Republic of Indonesia.

Under the terms of the Baronang and Gurita Farm-in Agreements, Nido will earn a 10% participating interest in each PSC by paying a disproportionate share of the exploration costs associated with the drilling of the exploration wells in the Baronang and Gurita PSCs and paying 10% of past costs for each PSC. In relation to the Cakalang PSC, Nido will earn a 10% participating interest through payment of its pro-rated 10% share of past costs for this PSC. In addition, Nido will be responsible for its 10% share of future costs in the three PSCs.

Nido has the right to increase its participation interest in each of the three PSCs, up to a maximum of 20%, prior to the commencement of the drilling campaign, on the same terms. The exploration wells in the Gurita and Baronang Contract Areas form part of a larger rig-share program being coordinated by Premier Oil on behalf of Lundin. Lundin expects to commence drilling a back-to-back program in the fourth quarter of 2013, subject to finalisation of the drilling contract and well sequencing. The assignments of interest contemplated under the three Farm-in Agreements are subject to the approval of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia’s oil and gas regulator, SKKMIGAS.

Nido’s Managing Director Phil Byrne stated: “I am extremely pleased to progress our stated strategy of increasing Nido’s footprint in the South East Asian region through these farm-in agreements. We have been assessing a range of farm-in opportunities for a number of months and believe participation in these three PSCs represents a measured opportunity for Nido shareholders to participate in a near-term exploration drilling programme in prospective basins with proven petroleum systems.”
“The Indonesian work program, as well as the previously announced Baragatan well in the Philippines, will be funded from Nido’s cash reserves and forecast production revenue from the Galoc Field. Lundin has demonstrated that it has a highly competent and successful team and Nido looks forward to working closely with Lundin in the exploration of this attractive portfolio.”