Major operators start to shed Moroccan skin

摘要

The sparse success in Morocco's biggest ever offshore drilling campaign is being reflected in the falling interest of major operators in their acreage holdings. Freeport McMoRan holds the final hope in the exploration spree that has seen a series of six wells by Kosmos, Genel, Galp and Cairn only uncover oil and gas shows. Chevron last year shot 2D seismic over its three deepwater blocks - Cap Rhir Deep, Cap Cantin Deep and Cap Walidia Deep - and this year will shoot 3D seismic. It is already looking for a partner to take over some of its 75% interest. Earlier this week Chariot Oil was forced to search for a new entrant into its Rabat Deep block after existing 25% partner Woodside Energy decided not to use an option to take over another 25% as well as operatorship. In return it was to pay for one well which was planned for the middle of this year but Chariot has now said that drilling is expected in late 2016 at the earliest.