Speculation about possible exploration off Algeria's
Mediterranean coast revived in late May after Sonatrach PDG Abdelhamid
Zerguine announced that the company would start exploring in the Annaba
offshore area that borders Tunisian waters. “Sonatrach has acquired geophysical
data for the coast of Annaba and the decision to explore is already taken,” he
said.
The plan is in line with Algiers' policy to diversify its
exploration efforts and boost conventional hydrocarbons reserves. While
Sonatrach has pledged to drill its first offshore well in 2013, a firm programme
is to yet to be drawn. In March last year, the head of the exploration division
at Institut Algérien du Pétrole (IAP),
Djamel Bekkouche, vowed that work would kick off in 2011. The
exploration licence for the offshore Bejaïa-Annaba perimeter (blocks 144-A and
145) was however granted to Sonatrach only last December by Agence
Nationale pour la Valorisation des Ressources et Hydrocarbures
(Alnaft).
Prospecting activities are also expected in waters adjacent to
the wilaya of Jijel, which is part of the Bejaïa-Annaba perimeter. The
overall area of coastal strip to be opened for exploration is estimated at
5,000km².
For more news and expert analysis about Algeria, please see Algeria Focus and Algeria Politics & Security.
© 2012 Menas Associates
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