Adelaide, April 26, 2006 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Santos today announced its first entry into Vietnam with an agreement to farm in to offshore exploration acreage operated by UK-based Premier Oil.
Under the agreement, Santos will hold a 37.5% interest in Blocks 12E and 12W Production Sharing Contracts after funding a proportion of the costs of a two-well drilling program. The blocks cover approximately 5,160 square kilometres in the Nam Con Son Basin, offshore southern Vietnam.
The two-well drilling work program includes the Dua-4X well and the 12-CS-1X Blackbird well in Block 12E. The first well, Dua-4X, is scheduled to commence drilling in early May 2006 immediately followed by Blackbird.
Santos' move into Vietnam is in line with the Company's strategy to diversify its international operations through a focus on material positions in proven hydrocarbon basins. The Company is also currently assessing other opportunities to increase its exposure in Vietnam.
"This is an important step for Santos as we continue to broaden and build our international exploration interests," Santos Managing Director, Mr John Ellice-Flint, said today.
"The Nam Con Son Basin is a proven hydrocarbon province and we are pleased to be teaming up with an established operator with excellent regional experience," he said.
"The drilling program will commence immediately. Importantly the targets are close to production facilities and in shallow water which will help shorten the development cycle-time in the event of a discovery."
The interests in Blocks 12E and 12W are:
Post farm-in Pre farm-inSantos International Holdings Pty Ltd 37.5% -Premier Oil PLC (operator) 37.5% 75%Delek Energy 25% 25%
About Santos Limited
Santos (ASX:STO) is one of the leading independent oil and gas producers in the Asia-Pacific region, supplying the energy needs of homes, businesses and major industries across Australia and Asia.
With its origins in the Cooper Basin, Santos has one of the largest exploration and production acreages in Australia and extensive infrastructure and is committed to supplying the domestic markets, unlocking resources and driving value and performance.
Underpinned by a portfolio of high-quality liquefied natural gas (LNG), pipeline gas and oil assets, Santos seeks to deliver long-term value to shareholders.
Santos' foundations are based on safe, sustainable operations and working together with our shareholders, host communities, governments and business partners.
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