A
consortium, including LUKOIL Overseas (a 100% subsidiary of OAO LUKOIL) and
Vanco International of USA, has won a tender for exploration and development of
two blocks, Est Rapsodia and Trident, in the Romanian sector of the
Black Sea. The respective stakes of LUKOIL
Overseas and Vanco in the consortium are 80% and 20%.
The Est
Rapsodia and Trident blocks are located in the Black
Sea at water depths ranging from 90 to 1,000 meters. The
distance to the coastline is 60-100 kilometers, the nearest
town on the coast is Sulina. The total area of the two license blocks is about
2,000 square kilometers. A 3D
seismic study is required to assess the geological structure of the blocks.
In
accordance with the conditions of the bidding, LUKOIL Overseas is to sign a
concession agreement with the National Agency for Mineral Resources of Romania
within the next six months.
An office
of LUKOIL Overseas will be established in Romania to
operate the project.