The Moroccan excitement, and geology, also extends south into offshore Mauritania. Unlike Morocco there is currently production offshore Mauritania. But output from the Chinguetti field – briefly 75,000 b/d following 2006 start-up – has dwindled to a mere 5,000 b/d. Mauritania’s key project going forward is Irish independent Tullow’s plan to develop the 1.5tcf Banda gas field.
Tullow says it will make a final investment decision in 2014. Tullow is the key player offshore Mauritania with operating stakes in seven permits and sizable minority stakes in two more where Dana Petroleum, the UK-based subsidiary of Korean state firm KNOC is operator (MEES, 22 February). Tullow most recently in April signed an exploration deal for the shallow water Block 3. (CONTINUED - 227 WORDS)
