Panoro Energy to enlarge its position in Equatorial Guinea

London-based independent E&P company Panoro Energy is expanding its position offshore Equatorial Guinea following an agreement to farm into the Kosmos Energy-operated offshore Block S.

The current joint venture partnership at Block S is Kosmos Energy (40 per cent and operator), Trident Energy (40 per cent), and GEPetrol (20 per cent). Panoro’s agreed farm-in is on the basis that it will acquire a 6 per cent participating interest from each of Kosmos Energy and Trident Energy, respectively (12 per cent in aggregate).

Block S covers a surface area of 1,245 km2 with water depths ranging from 450 metres to 1,500 metres and is covered by high-quality 3D seismic.

The block surrounds the producing Ceiba field and is adjacent to the producing Okume Complex, which is operated by Trident Energy and where Panoro holds a 14.25 per cent non-operated participating interest which accounted for 4,714 bopd net working interest production for Panoro during the first half of the year, around 60 per cent of Panoro’s total output.

Past exploration activities on Block S have tested and proven the necessary geological play elements, which have led to an extensive prospect inventory being identified within tie-back distance to the Ceiba field and Okume Complex facilities. One exploration well is planned to be drilled during 2024. Panoro’s farm-in is subject to customary approvals.

John Hamilton, CEO of Panoro, commented: “We are excited to farm-in to Block S which significantly expands our acreage position offshore Equatorial Guinea and our exposure to near field exploration potential.”

Hamilton added: “In line with our infrastructure-led exploration strategy, Panoro will have modest financial exposure to a large inventory of prospects and leads within tie-back distance of existing production facilities offering scope to leverage synergies in the event of a commercial discovery. Following the recent extension of the Ceiba field and Okume Complex PSC to end 2040 we look forward to working with our aligned partners and stakeholders to unlock the full potential of our enlarged asset base in Equatorial Guinea.”