Sierra Leone signs permit with Shell allowing offshore surveys

CAPE ​TOWN, April ⁠22 (Reuters) - Sierra Leone ​has signed an agreement with Shell that allows the oil ​major ‌to conduct advanced geological and geophysical surveys across multiple ⁠offshore blocks, the country's petroleum ⁠directorate said on Wednesday.

* The ​reconnaissance permit agreement covers an area of approximately 20,600 square kilometres and includes basin modelling and petroleum ​systems ‌analysis, a statement said.

* The programme, similar to one signed with Eni last October, is expected to enhance understanding of Sierra Leone's ​deepwater hydrocarbon potential.

* The permit will provide ‌a data-driven framework for technical evaluation and potential future participation in licensing opportunities, ‌the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL) said.

* "Our strategy is deliberately focused on de-risking the basin through high-quality ​data, attracting credible global players and accelerating the pathway towards ‌exploration drilling," Foday Mansaray, PDSL director general, said in the statement.

* Shell said the company routinely deals ⁠with governments through ⁠non-binding agreements to access ‌data and assess potential opportunities.

* However, this does not signal any commitment ​to proceed ​and any further steps would ‌depend on regulatory processes and due diligence, among others, a spokesperson said.

Shell

Eni