Dunquin to be handed over from Providence to ExxonMobil
2008.03.03 -
Company News

Providence Resources Plc ('Providence') today announce that, pursuant to its agreement with ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Ireland (Offshore) Limited ('ExxonMobil') and Sosina Exploration Limited ('Sosina'), it has been formally advised that ExxonMobil will assume the role of Operator in respect of Frontier Exploration Licence ('FEL') 3/04. This licence, which covers certain blocks containing the Dunquin exploration prospect, is located in the Porcupine Basin, off the west coast of Ireland. ExxonMobil will assume Operatorship with effect from March 31st 2008.
ExxonMobil holds an 80% equity interest in FEL 3/04, with Providence and Sosina each having a 16% and 4% stake respectively. Providence (which has acted as Operator of the licence since November 2004) and Sosina have each welcomed this transfer of Operatorship, as it progresses the phased exploration programme as was agreed as part of the original ExxonMobil farm-in.
FEL 3/04 covers five offshore blocks, and contains the Dunquin exploration prospect. Since licensing the area in November 2004, as part of the Irish government's Porcupine Licencing Round Initiative, the partners have carried out extensive geological studies over the licence area, including the acquisition and processing of over 1,500 km of long offset 2D seismic reflection data.
Petroleum Geo-Services ASA ('PGS' or the Company) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Applied Geophysical Services, Inc. (AGS) for a price of USD 51 million, subject to certain adjustments for changes in working capital. PGS estimates an enterprise value for AGS of approximately USD 46 million. AGS is based in Houston, Texas and specializes in providing advanced depth imaging services. The transaction is expected to close during the course of this week.
Total announces the acquisition of a 40% interest in three exploration permits northeast of Ichthys on the Australian Browse Basin jointly with Inpex (60%, operator). These interests were held by ConocoPhillips. This acquisition is subject to the approval of the Australian authorities.
Rowan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:RDC) announced today that it has entered into contracts with Keppel AmFELS, Inc. for the construction of four Super 116E class jack-ups. The rigs will be built at AmFELS' Brownsville, Texas shipyard, with delivery scheduled at approximately four-month intervals beginning in the second quarter of 2010.
Gaz de France has acquired a 45% stake in the Alam El Shawish West licence in Egypt from Vegas Oil & Gas.
Trico Marine Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRMA) ("Trico") and Active Subsea ASA (NOTC: ASUB) ("Active Subsea") today announced that Trico intends to make a voluntary offer for all outstanding shares, options and warrants of Active Subsea.