Deltic Energy plc said it would consider whether to accept the two southern North Sea gas basin licences provisionally awarded in the UK 33rd offshore licensing round.
PENSACOLA
Containing “a mixture of small discoveries and low risk, infrastructure led exploration prospects”, Blackadder comprises blocks 47/5b, 47/10c and 48/6c while NE SNS consists of 43/2b, 43/3b, 43/4b, 43/9 and 43/14.
The North Sea Transition Authority has offered the licences on a 100% equity basis.
“In light of the current fiscal and political environment, Deltic will carefully consider whether accepting further licences in the UK is in the best interest of the business and its shareholders,” said the company in a statement.
This contrasts with the company’s stance in April when it maintained it was committed to UK exploration.
However the company still needs to find a farm-in partner for the Pensacola prospect, or alternative funds, by the end of May in order to retain its 30% share.
Chief executive Graham Swindells added: “These further tranche 3 provisional awards further demonstrate the ability of the Deltic team to identify and acquire valuable exploration and appraisal acreage within the UKCS.
“We will now assess each of the provisional awards and carefully consider which, if any, of these awards the company will accept.”