Oil giants Eni and BP have entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) to progress detailed discussions on combining their upstream portfolios in Angola, including all their oil, gas, and LNG interests in the country.
The companies believe that combining their efforts in a new joint venture company would bring significant opportunities for them to jointly boost future developments and operations in Angola, Eni explained in a statement on Wednesday.
In particular, it would be expected to generate significant synergies, create more efficient operations, and increase investment and growth in the basin. The new venture would reflect both companies’ commitment to continue developing the upstream sector potential of Angola.
The new company would be supported by Eni and BP, benefitting from the competencies and personnel of each, and would be expected to be self-funded. A business plan for the company would be agreed by Eni and BP to allow it to capture future opportunities in exploration, development and possibly portfolio growth, both in Angola and regionally.
HSE performance, project delivery, and production efficiency will be priority areas for the management.
Eni and BP have informed the Angolan Government of their intention and any final transaction will be subject to relevant Governmental, regulatory, and partner approvals.
The companies have appointed advisors that will support the companies in raising finance for the new joint venture.
In Angola, Eni is the operator of block 15/06, and exploration blocks Cabinda North, Cabinda Centro, 1/14 and soon 28 and is also the operator of the New Gas Consortium (NGC).
Back in April 2021, Eni made a new light oil discovery in Block 15/06 . The first production from the well is expected within six months from the discovery through a fast-track tie-in to the Armada Olombendo FPSO.
In addition, Eni has a stake in the non-operated blocks 0 (Cabinda), 3/05, 3 / 05A, 14, 14 K / A-IMI, 15 and in Angola LNG.
BP is the operator of Blocks 18 and 31 offshore Angola and has non-operated stakes in blocks 15, 17, 20, and soon 29. BP also has non-operated interests in the NGC and Angola LNG.