Statoil has completed a transaction with ExxonMobil Exploration and Production South Africa Limited (ExxonMobil), acquiring a 35% interest in Exploration Right 12/3/252 Transkei-Algoa. Operator ExxonMobil retains 40% interest, while Impact Africa holds 25%.The license covers approximately 45,000 square kilometres in water depths up to 3,000 metres.

Statoil has also completed a transactionwith OK Energy Ltd, acquiring 90% interest and operatorship in the Exploration Right 12/3/257 East Algoa. The remaining 10% interest is held by OK Energy. The licence covers approximately 9,300 square kilometres.

“These transactions strengthen Statoil’s position in South Africa and our long-term exploration portfolio. This is in line with our global exploration strategy of early access in basins with high potential,“ says Nick Maden, senior vice president for exploration in the southern hemisphere.

Statoil entered its first license in South Africa in 2015, acquiring a 35% interest in the ExxonMobil-operated Tugela South Exploration Right.

About Statoil

Statoil ASA (OSE: STL, NYSE: STO) is an international energy company with operations in more than 30 countries, present in several of the most important oil and gas provinces in the world. Building on more than 45 years of experience from oil and gas production on the Norwegian continental shelf, we are committed to accommodating the world's energy needs in a responsible manner, applying technology and creating innovative business solutions. Statoil is among the world's largest net sellers of crude oil and condensate, the second-largest supplier of natural gas to the European market, and we also have substantial processing and refining operations. Statoil’s equity oil and gas production is around 2 million barrels oil equivalent per day. Statoil has contracted a fleet of around 90 ship for transportation of oil and LNG.

Statoil is headquartered in Norway with 21,000 employees worldwide, and is listed on the New York and Oslo stock exchanges.

About ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM), the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world’s growing energy needs. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of resources, is the largest refiner and marketer of petroleum products, and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world.