SUDAN: Ministry of Petroleum Launches First Licensing Round
. Analysts see a prospect with increasing political stability
By Eyo Nsima
The Ministry of Petroleum (MoP) of the Republic of South Sudan, has announced the launch of the country’s first Oil Licensing Round.
The MoP said it has identified new exploration blocks with potential hydrocarbons and has compiled crucial data to provide to interested investors, operators, and counterparties.
According to the new analysis commissioned by the Ministry, approximately 90 percent of South Sudan’s oil and gas reserves remain unexplored, providing unprecedented opportunities to international investors.
The Oil Licensing Round aims to attract interest from a diverse group of foreign investors to a region that is already home to oil and gas majors from China and Malaysia.
The country is hoping to welcome back experienced partners and operators following significant progress in returning to peace and stability.
With the new data, analysis, and governance mechanisms, the Ministry seeks to attract high-quality investors and partners.
This bidding round is for a number of selected blocks, which will be facilitated and evaluated based on set criteria by the MoP.
The available blocks are shown on the map and range between 4,000 and 25,000km2, with most comprising between 15,000 and 20,000 km2.
Currently, there are three consortiums operating producing blocks in South Sudan, with another four oil exploration companies having acquired production sharing contracts.
According to the Ministry, producing blocks include, “Block 3 and 7 – DAR Petroleum Operating Company: China National Petroleum Corporation, Petronas, Nile Petroleum Corporation (8% equity). Block 1, 2 & 4 – Greater Pioneer Operating Company: China National Petroleum Corporation, Petronas, Nile Petroleum Corporation (5% equity). Block 5A – Sudd Petroleum Operating Company: Petronas, Nile Petroleum Corporation (8% equity).”
The Ministry stated: “Awarded Exploration Blocks include, Block B3 – Oranto Petroleum, Nile Petroleum Corporation (10% equity). Block 5B – Ascom, Nile Petroleum Corporation (10% equity). Block B2- Strategic Fuel Fund, Nile Petroleum Corporation (10% equity).
“Free Blocks include Blocks: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, Blocks: B1, B4, Blocks: C1, C2, Blocks: D1, D2, Blocks: E1, E2.
“The First Licensing Round Blocks include, A2, A5, B1, B4, D2. Potential investors are now able to request all relevant information from the Ministry of Petroleum until August 23rd, 2021, by expressing their interest and providing contact details online at www.southsudanlicensinground.com.”
It also added that “They can also contact directly: For information about data access and purchase: Pawel Ulatowski, Director, ZDS, southsudan@zebradata.com. For information about geoscience: Dr. Omar B. Abu-elbashar, MD, Petro-Tec, petrotec@hotmail.com, petrotec@petrotec-int.com. Once the expression of interest process is concluded, the Ministry of Petroleum will host a virtual series of data presentations, followed by an international roadshow. After years of instability and conflict, lasting peace is finally gaining a foothold in the country following the establishment of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU) in February 2020, and the follow-up agreement over governance of the country’s states. South Sudan is now firmly back on a positive developmental path and is expected to continue as one of Africa’s fastest-growing countries in the foreseeable future.”
