The Government of the Sultanate of Oman, Oman Oil Company Exploration and Production (OOCEP), a subsidiary of state company Oman Oil Company SAOC (OOC), and Eni entered into an Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA) for Block 52, located offshore Oman.

The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister of Oil and Gas of Oman, Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhi, OOC CEO, Isam Al Zadjali, Eni’s CEO, Claudio Descalzi, and Qatar Petroleum’s President and CEO, Saad Sherida Al Kaabi.

Block 52 is an underexplored area with hydrocarbons potential located offshore in the southern region of Oman. Block 52 has an area of approximately 90,000 Km2, with water depths ranging from 10 to over 3,000 meters. Pursuant to the EPSA, Eni is the Operator of the block, through its subsidiary Eni Oman B.V., with an 85% stake, whilst its partner OOCEP holds the remaining 15% stake.

During the same event, held in Muscat, Eni and Qatar Petroleum signed an agreement for the assignment of 30% interest in Block 52 to Qatar Petroleum. Following the conclusion of such agreement and subject to the consent of the competent authorities of the Sultanate of Oman, the Contractor under the EPSA will consist of affiliates of Eni with a 55% stake, Qatar Petroleum with 30% and OOCEP with 15%.

«The signing of the Block 52 EPSA represents an important milestone in Eni’s strategy to reinforce its presence in the Middle East region. We wish to establish with the Sultanate of Oman, which is a historical Oil & Gas producer in the region, a long-lasting relationship in the best tradition of Eni. It is also remarkable that, the same day, we are welcoming Qatar Petroleum as a partner in Block 52, to join our efforts with such a strong partner that is currently leading the LNG business worldwide», commented Eni CEO, Claudio Descalzi.

Block 52 was awarded to Eni and OOCEP following an international bid round process launched in October 2016.

About ENI

Eni is an integrated energy company employing more than 34.000 people in 69 countries in the world. Eni engages in oil and natural gas exploration, field development and production, as well as in the supply, trading and shipping of natural gas, LNG, electricity and fuels. Through refineries and chemical plants, Eni processes crude oil and other oil-based feedstock to produce fuels, lubricants and chemical products that are supplied to wholesalers or through retail networks or distributors.

About Oman Oil Company Exploration & Production

Oman Oil Company Exploration & Production LLC (OOCEP) was established as an Omani upstream oil & gas company. As a subsidiary of Oman Oil Company SAOC (OOC), OOCEP is driven by upstream investments in line with OOC’s strategy of pursuing local and international energy related investments. OOCEP’s activities are focused towards upstream and midstream investments in Oman and abroad. Given these segments potential for growth, OOCEP continues to search for opportunities where its solutions can unlock value.

Primarily an Omani organization, OOCEP makes investments to capitalize on Oman’s experience in the oil & gas industry. Moreover, the company strives to achieve strong operational results, financial returns, pursue opportunities that will contribute to meeting the future energy needs of the Sultanate, and provide a platform for professional development of it’s Omani workforce.