Sapura Exploration & Production (Sapura E&P), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sapura Energy Berhad, formerly known as SapuraKencana Petroleum Berhad), together with its joint venture partners DEA Deutsche Erdoel Mexico and Premier Oil have been awarded Block 30 in Sureste Basin, a proven and prolific hydrocarbon province in the Gulf of Mexico.

“This is a formidable partnership of like-minded companies with significant worldwide experience, which augurs well for future success in Mexico,” said Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Shahril Shamsuddin, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Sapura Energy Berhad.

Block 30, which is located in shallow waters at about 70 metres, directly to the south west of Premier's world-class Zama discovery and to the north of the Amoca oil field, was the most contested block in the bid. The consortium outbid six other bidders for the block.

“Sapura Energy has been operating in Mexico since late 2012 and has worked closely with PEMEX on a number of offshore projects. The Sureste Basin is not unknown territory, the shallow water operating conditions are similar to Malaysia and our team is on familiar ground,” said Tan Sri Shahril.

The consortium has identified material leads and prospects on Block 30 in the tertiary clastic plays, typical of the Sureste Basin and in which Premier made the world-class Zama discovery in July 2017. The main prospect exhibits DHIs (direct hydrocarbon indicators) on the existing 3D seismic across the southern edge of Block 30, significantly de-risking a potentially material oil play there. These anomalies are similar to those seen at the Zama and Amoca oil fields. The plan is to acquire a 3D seismic in 2019 ahead of firming up drilling locations in 2020.

Sapura E&P entered into the bidding agreement with DEA and Premier based on an equity split of DEA 40 per cent, Sapura Energy 30 per cent and Premier 30 per cent.

The agreement enhances the Group’s global footprint as a world-class integrated oil and gas player with a presence across five continents. Recently, Sapura E&P made inroads into New Zealand with a series of farm-in agreements to five offshore exploration permits within the Taranaki Basin, a prolific oil and gas region. The farm-in agreements are with OMV New Zealand Limited and Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited.

About Sapura Energy

Sapura Energy Berhad (“Sapura Energy” or “Group”) is a leading global integrated oil and gas services and solutions provider operating across the entire upstream value chain. As a fully-fledged upstream player, the Group’s spectrum of capabilities cover the exploration, development, production, rejuvenation, as well as decommissioning and abandonment stages of the value chain.

About Deutsche Erdoel Mexico

Deutsche Erdoel Mexico is a subsidiary of the international E&P Company DEA Deutsche Erdoel AG, that is based in Hamburg, Germany. In March 2018, Deutsche Erdoel Mexico took over operatorship of the onshore oil field Ogarrio in the state Tabasco. The 50 percent license share and operatorship of Ogarrio were awarded during the farm-outs in October 2017. Earlier that year, the company won the Block 2 in Licensing Round 2.1 in consortium with Pemex. Deutsche Erdoel Mexico has offices in Mexico City and in Villahermosa.

About DEA Deutsche Erdoel AG

DEA Deutsche Erdoel AG is an international operator in the field of exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas based in Hamburg. Its focus is on safe, sustainable and environmentally conscious exploitation of oil and gas. Deutsche Erdoel AG has 119 years of experience working along the entire upstream value chain as operator or project partner. With a staff force of 1,150 employees, DEA Deutsche Erdoel AG has shares in production facilities and concessions in, among others, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Egypt, Algeria and Mexico.

About Premier Oil

Premier Oil plc, founded in 1934 and headquartered in London, is a leading independent exploration and production company with significant oil and gas interests and operations in the North Sea, South East Asia, Pakistan and the Falkland Islands. The company produces around 60,000 boepd and it has an existing portfolio of producing, development and exploration opportunities.