Sri Lanka invites bidders for block in Mannar basin

The Government has invite expressions of interest for partners to undertake the appraisal and?development of gas discoveries and prospects in the 2,924-sq km offshore block M2 in the Mannar Basin.

The block will be offered for licensing this year, including the Barracuda and Dorado gas-condensate discoveries. A data package will be available containing well data and some 2,600 sq km of 3D seismic coverage.

The remainder of Sri Lankan acreage will be released in a bid round in 4Q ?17. WesternGeco is planning 2D and 3D spec seismic ahead of this off the East coast and in the Mannar Basin. Some airborne FTG/mag surveying is also planned.

Government officials are to be available for private meetings in Houston (5-9 Mar ?17) and London 13-14 Mar ?17), and the Sri Lankan plans will also be discussed at CERAWeek on 7 March.

The Ministry of Petroleum Resources Development said that expressions of interest can?be emailed to the Director General of the PRDS, Saliya Wickramasuriya, dg@prds.lk, or Tim.Hemsted@ihsmarkit.com. (Colombo Gazette)